LSU System President William Jenkins decided to step down in February. Five months later, the search for his successor has yet to begin. The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, a Washington, D.C.-based review firm, was hired in March by the LSU Board of Supervisors to conduct a 60-90 day analysis of the office of system president. The review, which will specify University needs and qualifications for the presidency, was originally due back to the board by July 15, though that deadline has since been extended to August 23. Once it receives the review, the board will appoint a search committee to evaluate potential candidates and recommend one for the presidency, a process that will take an indefinite amount of time. Board chairman Rod West said he believes the delay reflects the commitment of AGB, and his group, to finding the best possible system president. “This is a critical time for LSU,” West said. “We felt it was in LSU’s best interest to take the extra time needed to make sure the AGB fully finished a review that the board could use in its search.” AGB, which will receive $49,000 for its review, was selected because the board felt it needed an independent voice to asses the office of system president, including any opportunities and challenges that will be faced in a post-Katrina environment and the leadership and professional skills required to fill the occupation. One need repeatedly stressed is the new president’s ability to unite the educational branches of the LSU System, several of whom have considered realigning with the UL system in the past few months. This composite profile will then be used to evaluate potential candidates and see who best fits the job description and needs. To make its analysis, AGB has conducted interviews with board members, LSU officers, chancellors of 11 colleges, and various faculty and alumni. West said the board considered several review groups but decided “easily” on AGB, which has conducted similar reviews at the University of Hawaii and Northeastern University in Boston. “The board felt the best way to determine the appropriate direction was not to go to the press, alumni or individuals, but to seek the counsel of experts,” West said. “AGB is one of the prominent national review groups, and we felt confident in their ability to analyze the system presidency and make the appropriate recommendations.” Once the analysis is received and examined, the board will choose a member to head and fill a search committee that will review applications and ultimately recommend a candidate for nomination. West declined to comment further on the potential makeup of the committee, but said he believes the group will be comprised of “interested stakeholders in the local and state community.” The board will field public applications, though Charles Zewe, a spokesperson in the LSU’s Presidents Office, said private overtures to officials at other institutions may yield other potential candidates who are interested in the system presidency but won’t publicly come forward out of fear of losing their present jobs. “It’s possible there might be a candidate who doesn’t want to come forward but will quietly let it be known that they’re interested in the system presidency,” Zewe said. “If it gets to the point of possible nomination, then that person’s name will become public.” Zewe said that recent system presidential searches have taken an average of 12-18 months, but said that LSU’s could take more or less time depending on the number and qualifications of the candidates. Board member Jack Andonie said the group will take action once AGB’s review is received. “The board is still waiting for AGB’s analysis, but will take action once we have a chance to asses it,” Andonie said. West said this situation differs from the 2004 search for LSU chancellor because the system president must deal with several institutions, including new issues that have surfaced in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He added that the delay won’t affect the effort or time the search committee is willing to expend to find the next system president. “The board, and myself personally, are particularly interested in what AGB has to say,” West said. “From that point forward, the search committee will take as much time as needed to review potential candidates and finally nominate who it feels is most qualified to lead the LSU system.”
_____Contact Joe Ehrich at [email protected]