FDU Narrows Search for Next President

Fairleigh Dickinson University's Board of Trustees next month will interview finalists seeking to become the school's president, according to the University. 

The school's board will decide whether to advance one or more of the candidates before the possible picks are made public, according to a statement on FDU's website. A committee formed in September reviewed more than 70 applications after the death in June of longtime University leader J. Michael Adams. 

“The process was a long and intensive one that began with important Town Hall meetings on campus to determine what qualities the community sought in its next leader,” Search Committee Chair Robert Hallenbeck said in the statement. 

The search committee reviewed the candidates and interviewed a "select group" before passing its top three picks to the FDU board, the University said. 

“We were privileged to receive many strong applications and we reviewed many impressive candidates. After lengthy discussions, interviews and careful scrutiny, we are confident that these all are highly exceptional candidates who can lead the University well,” Hallenbeck said. 

The dates candidates could visit FDU will be announced "as soon as possible," according to the statement. FDU's next president is slated to start July 1. 

Adams, who died after being diagnosed with cancer, was remembered as a talented leader who thrust FDU into the international stage with a host of global programs, including a Vancouver campus and partnership with the United Nations. 

The University's chief operating officer, Sheldon Drucker, has been serving as interim president. 

Follow Patch on Twitter, Facebook and click to sign up for News Alerts. News tip? E-mail teaneck@patch.com