As we approach the holiday break, the presidential search committee would like to provide an update on the progress of the search.
The presidential search committee held its first meeting on August 25th. Shortly after, we began convening regularly; selected an executive search firm (WittKieffer); set up a website for community communications, and in October began to talk with our various constituent groups in order to capture input on the ideal candidate for our next president. The feedback was informative and critical to establishing the highest qualities and needs for the next Adams State president.
In order to expand opportunities for stakeholder participation further, our consultants at WittKieffer facilitated listening sessions last week with key groups of university and community leadership (Faculty Senate, PASC, AS&F, Executive Council, CEC, and the Board of Trustees). The timing of those listening sessions was essential to informing a Leadership Profile, which will be the primary document used to attract candidates for this important role and to keep us on schedule in bringing finalists to campus before spring commencement. During each listening session, the WittKieffer team shared the search email address where any member of the Adams State community may provide confidential feedback: Adams-President@
Following many listening sessions, our efforts turn now to the development of a Leadership Profile, an expansive job ad which will be the primary tool used to attract candidates to this opportunity. A draft of the profile will be ready for the full search committee to review by the end of the day on January 3rd. The search committee will have the opportunity to provide feedback in writing and via a meeting that is scheduled for January 5th at 6 pm. WittKieffer will then finalize the leadership profile, with the goal of officially launching our search in the market during the week of January 9th.
Opportunities for additional community input will continue on January 24th when members of the WittKieffer team will visit the campus to learn more about Adams State, its needs, and hold final listening sessions with the broader university community that day at 12:15 pm and 3 pm (location TBD).
In keeping with the approved timeline, the search committee will gather on March 17th to discuss candidates and select a slate for first-round (Zoom) interviews, which will be held March 30 & 31, in advance of the April 7th meeting of the Board of Trustees. We are holding April 18-21 for finalist on-campus interviews. The search committee is charged with delivering a slate of candidates for the Board’s review. The committee will debrief and provide feedback on the finalists on April 25. The Board will carefully review all of the feedback collected as they select the next president.
Thank you for your input and service with this very important search. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your questions or concerns.
Happy Holidays!
Jonathan Marquez ’13, Co-Chair, Adams State University Presidential Search Committee
Mark Martinez, ’13, Co-Chair, Adams State University Presidential Search Committee