UA Presidential Search Committee Releases Criteria For Top Job

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama’s Presidential Search Advisory Committee this week released the criteria in its search for the university's next leader.

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As Patch previously reported, the committee is supporting the chancellor and the Board of Trustees in the recruitment process, and is tasked with hiring an individual with a distinguished leadership record — preferably at the presidential or senior executive level at a doctoral university.

The application deadline is set for April 2.

The committee says the ideal candidate should have a deep understanding of the nation’s higher education landscape and possess a strong sense of character and integrity.

The search committee is also prioritizing candidates who are committed to furthering the university’s growth in enrollment, academic success and research.

The search comes after Patch reported in January that University of Alabama President Stuart R. Bell announced his plans to step down this summer following a decade leading the university.

Here's a look at the official criteria:

• A distinguished record of leadership at the presidential or senior executive level at an R1 institution or an equivalent record outside the academy with a demonstrated understanding of the nation’s higher education milieu.
• An impeccable character, mature judgment, and personal and professional integrity.
• A respect for the traditions and culture of the University, while embracing innovation to lead the University to unprecedented achievements.
• The ability to develop a vision for the next decade of the University through coordination with and input from faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, donors, Trustees, the community, and other constituencies.
• A willingness to actively engage in the recruitment of students from a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, academic accomplishments, and career interests.
• The ability to grow and sustain exemplary academic and research achievements and maintain forward progress through an energetic and transformational leadership style and a talent for setting forth a clear vision through plans that are ambitious, inspiring, and sustainable.
• The ability to guide a large and successful Division I athletic program amid a changing intercollegiate athletic landscape.
• A proven ability to build and sustain an empowered leadership team in an environment where shared governance and academic freedom are priorities.
• The documented ability to successfully lead a very complex, fiscally sound, and robust institution.
• A proven commitment to a student-centered university for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with a strong record of improving student success metrics.
• A commitment to develop and maintain the University’s premier facilities, landscaping, and grounds, within UA’s nationally acclaimed campus beautification program.
• A record of success in fundraising and the willingness to engage donors, alumni, parents, and the community.
• The ability to work with multiple constituencies, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, UA System leaders, fellow UA System Presidents, and Trustees.
• The interest in and commitment to engage with the community and the state in advancing the lives of citizens and the economic vitality of the region.

Confidential discussions regarding the search can be arranged with consultants Ann Die Hasselmo at ann.hasselmo@academicsearch.org and Chris Butler at chris.butler@academicsearch.org.

Click here for the application page.

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