Vol. 38, No. 18

2-27-2007
By: Richard Gillette

Trustees approve profile for presidential search

Search committee to identify candidates, narrow list

Energy, vision and demonstrated leadership skills. These and many other qualities are part of a presidential profile approved by the Board of Trustees in February.

Trustee Alex Shumate, chairman of the 24-person search committee charged with finding a replacement for retiring President Karen Holbrook, said the profile was created after receiving input from the university community and seeking the help of outside sources.

“We believe the profile contains the skills, traits and characteristics the next president must have to lead Ohio State into the future,” Shumate said.

The search committee held two public meetings on campus in January seeking input. Leaders with the Ohio and Columbus chambers of commerce also will be consulted.

“We will continue to generate input from the public throughout the search,” Shumate said.

Besides the personal attributes, the profile calls for experience at a comprehensive teaching and research university that is a land-grant institution.

The candidate must also understand:

-- The responsibilities of a metropolitan university.

-- The necessity of integrating highly innovative research vibrantly into highly successful teaching and outreach missions.

-- The university as a key site of investment for the health and prosperity of the state. 

Shumate also said the board is looking for someone who will stay at the university seven to 10 years.

The next step is to identify candidates and narrow the list. Shumate could not give a date when the president will be named, but trustees have said they hope to have a replacement before Holbrook leaves in June.

To read the entire profile, visit trustees.osu.edu/presidentialsearch/position.

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