Presidential search update: recruitment underway

Dear Western Community:

I’m writing to update you on the current status of our Presidential Search, which is now well into the recruitment phase.  In addition to approaching potential candidates about the opportunity over the winter holidays, our search consultants have been building a pool of candidates through nominations they have received and responses to our online and print job postings.  We have been very pleased by the number and quality of the applications we have received so far, and more are continuing to come in.

The members of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee are reviewing these applications, and will soon meet to determine whom they would like to meet for first round interviews.  Their review of applications is being guided by criteria developed through the on- and off-campus listening process conducted last fall, which are reflected in the Presidential Leadership Profile.  The upcoming interviews will inform their advice and recommendations to the Board of Trustees in the beginning of March.  The Trustees will then conduct second round interviews assisted by Greenwood/Asher’s deep background and reference checking, and make a final selection in late March or early April.  We will continue providing updates as the search progresses over the next two months.

This will be a momentous year for all who are a part of Western, as we welcome a new president and express our gratitude to Bruce and Cyndie Shepard for their eight years of service to Western.  Our confidence that Western’s presidency is one of the most attractive opportunities in the country has been reflected in the outstanding pool of candidates we have seen thus far, and will only be strengthened as we begin interviews.  That should be a great source of pride for the entire Western community, who are the ultimate reason why so many are interested in leading this institution into the future.

Thank you again for your engagement, and, as always, the search advisory committee welcomes your input at Presidential.Search@wwu.edu.

Best Regards,

Sue Sharpe
Chair, Presidential Search Advisory Committee
WWU Trustee