BY TUCKER REILLY, EDITOR IN CHIEF
St. Bonaventure University’s Presidential Search Committee remains in pursuit of candidates, after extending their consideration at the end of last year. After reports in early December that the search had moved to finalists, the committee announced that additional candidates would be considered.
“After extensive deliberations, and taking into consideration all the feedback from campus stakeholder groups, the Trustees just felt that in the best interest of the university they needed to continue looking at additional candidates – to ensure they make the best choice for the university’s long-term success,” said Tom Missel, the university’s chief communications officer.
Meghan Hall is a senior journalism and marketing double major, as well as the student liaison for the presidential search committee. She described the renewed search as a response to the consideration of finalists.
“The committee had selected its finalists, they had interviewed with a number of constituent groups on campus and these groups had funneled their feedback to the board of trustees – the board ultimately makes the decision of who will become the next president,” said Hall. “It became an issue for the board that none of the candidates were the absolute best fit, so they decided to have the search continue.”
Michael Hill, president of the Chautauqua Institution and the committee’s secretary, outlined the necessary characteristics for a candidate. Hill described the committee’s decision to review new candidates as “taking time to make sure we found the right person.”
“We’re looking for someone that can build off of the foundation that Dr. DePerro established; the school is significantly stronger than before his presidency, both in enrollments and programs,” said Hill. “Mixed with that, we want someone who can scan what’s happening in the country and the world and make sure Bonaventure is positioned for whatever comes next.”
The challenges of the future are numerous and unpredictable but Hill did have some suggestions about what a future president could face.
“I would say that higher education has become more complicated, if you look at what it’s like to manage any kind of enterprise during a global pandemic,” said Hill. “That’s just the beginning of a long list of challenges that face modern universities: the impending enrollment cliff, increased reliance on fundraising – these are problems that exist throughout higher education.”
When the committee finishes their selection process, some time will have to be given to allow the candidate to settle affairs, such as moving and terminating their old position. Despite present setbacks, Hall is optimistic about the current pace.
“The process is moving really quickly at this point,” said Hall. “We’re hoping to name a president before the end of this academic year, which would then give enough time to transition.”
Hill echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to choose the right candidate above all else.
“With the underscoring of our commitment to take as much time as necessary to find the right person, we still believe there is ample time,” said Hill. “The plan is to conclude our work and have the next president start the next academic year.”
reillyt19@bonaventure.edu
