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A new era of discovery: ϲַȫ seeks forward-thinking leader to unite University of Arizona campus community
After a month-long listening tour with the University of Arizona community, the ϲַȫ and its search advisory committee finalized the presidential profile and leadership qualities for the 23rd president of the state’s land-grant institution.
Both documents are summarized in the presidential search brochure.
“The University of Arizona is a top-tier institution with world-class faculty and brilliant students. We are searching for a forward-thinking president to create stability, while building upon this storied university’s many strengths,” said ϲַȫ Chair Cecilia Mata, one of three regents participating on the search advisory committee alongside Regents Fred DuVal and Doug Goodyear. “We are grateful to U of A’s passionate community for sharing extensive feedback on what they want to see in the future of this university and its next president. These documents are a direct reflection of that input.”
More than 4,200 students, employees and community members provided feedback on the qualities and characteristics they would like to see in the next U of A president.
Community members asked for a leader with the background suitable for a tenured appointment as a full professor, someone with high moral character and integrity who is deeply committed to serving first-generation college students and who has demonstrated financial acumen. Additional attributes include:
- A deep understanding of the culture, opportunities and challenges that come with being a land-grant, R1, AAU and Hispanic-Serving Institution.
- Experience working with a broad range of constituents in developing a compelling vision for a complex organization in an environment of shared governance.
- An understanding of and sincere appreciation for the U of A’s unique history, traditions and role within Arizona and the region, including the borderlands region and the university being situated on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples.
- A demonstrated passion for enhancing the U of A’s student-centric learning environment and championing support services that are responsive to students’ needs.
- Excellent operational and managerial skills, and a history of successful leadership in a complex, multi-faceted organization, particularly in times of transition and growth; ideally, in a large, public university setting.
Search advisory committee members are now building an initial pool of prospects using the leadership characteristics as its guide. While prospects will remain confidential, candidates who participate in an interview with the full board may become public, as detailed in the approved search guidelines. Prior to hiring a new president, ϲַȫ plans to host candidate(s) on the U of A campus.
Comments on the search for the next president are still being taken and may be sent to UArizonaPresidentialSearch@azregents.edu. Those who would like to apply or submit a nomination for the U of A presidential search, please send the name and contact information of the nominee to apsearch@spaexec.com.
The presidential search began after President Robert Robbins announced his transition plans in April.
The next search advisory committee meeting is Tuesday, June 4 at 8:30 a.m. For more information about the search, click here.