The clock is ticking, and the University needs a Superman.
As the Transition Advisory Team meets to discuss the reorganization of the LSU System, the Presidential Search Committee meetings are also under way to choose a new chancellor and president for the University – both of which have deadlines for the end of this summer.
The playmakers in the process agree the University needs a visionary leader — someone who is able and willing to adapt as structural changes progress.
“We’re looking for Superman,” said Presidential Search Committee Chairman Blake Chatelain. “Higher education is changing, and we need to place LSU in a position to succeed.”
The Transition Advisory Team, which held its first meeting Jan. 8 to outline the LSU System reorganization process, will submit a final concept to the Board of Supervisors in July, when the Board will make a decision and potentially begin fine-tuning the major structural changes involved with streamlining the University system.
With an even closer deadline, R. William Funk and Associates, the search firm the University hired to assist in the search for a permanent president, is meeting Feb. 1 to present initial findings for a permanent leader for this new hybrid position.
“Depending where we are at that time, we’ll be looking at candidates’ résumés and narrowing down from there,” Chatelain said.
Meanwhile, the search firm has been “casting a large net” for the past month to gather an initial pool of presidential candidates, Chatelain said.
“Funk and Associates believes the combination of positions makes it a more attractive position,” Chatelain said. “It’s imperative we move through transition quickly so candidates can have as much information as possible.”
Interim System President and Chancellor William “Bill” Jenkins said his vision for his permanent replacement is someone who is willing and able to adapt to change.
“The key element is visionary leadership and recognition of the changing times we live in,” Jenkins said. “Experience in higher education is very important, but they must be a competent administrator.”
Executive Provost and Vice Chancellor Stuart Bell said the new leader must have a great vision and be progressive in moving the University forward.
“Ideally, we would like to have someone in place by the end of the spring semester or early summer,” Chatelain said. “But Jenkins is doing a great job and has agreed to stay as long as possible.”
While selecting a permanent president and chancellor in a timely manner is important, choosing the right person for the job is imperative, Chatelain said.
The clock is ticking, and the University needs a Superman.
As the Transition Advisory Team meets to discuss the reorganization of the LSU System, the Presidential Search Committee meetings are also under way to choose a new chancellor and president for the University – both of which have deadlines for the end of this summer.
The playmakers in the process agree the University needs a visionary leader — someone who is able and willing to adapt as structural changes progress.
“We’re looking for Superman,” said Presidential Search Committee Chair Blake Chatelain. “Higher education is changing, and we need to place LSU in a position to succeed.”
The Transition Advisory Team, which held its first meeting Jan. 8 to outline the LSU System reorganization process, will submit a final concept to the Board of Supervisors in July, when the Board will make a decision and potentially begin fine-tuning the major structural changes involved with streamlining the University system.
With an even closer deadline, R. William Funk and Associates, the search firm the University hired to assist in the search for a permanent president, is meeting Feb. 1 to present initial findings for a permanent leader for this new hybrid position.
“Depending where we are at that time, we’ll be looking at candidates’ resumes and narrowing down from there,” Chatelain said.
Meanwhile, the search firm has been “casting a large net” for the past month to gather an initial pool of presidential candidates, Chatelain said.
“Funk and Associates believes the combination of positions makes it a more attractive position,” Chatelain said. “It’s imperative we move through transition quickly so candidates can have as much information as possible.”
Interim System President and Chancellor William “Bill” Jenkins said his vision for his permanent replacement is someone who is willing and able to adapt to change.
“The key element is visionary leadership and recognition of the changing times we live in,” Jenkins said. “Experience in higher education is very important, but they must be a competent administrator.”
Executive Provost and Vice Chancellor Stuart Bell said the new leader must have a great vision and be progressive in moving the University forward.
“Ideally we would like to have someone in place by the end of the spring semester or early summer,” Chatelain said. “But Jenkins is doing a great job and has agreed to stay as long as possible.”
While selecting a permanent president and chancellor in a timely manner is important, choosing the right person for the job is imperative, Chatelain said.
“We’re looking for superman.”
