Spring Break
Committee narrows search for president to 8 candidates
By: Lorelei Willett
Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: News
Presidential Search Committee chairman Richard Box announced Thursday the search for the next Texas A&M University president has been narrowed down to eight candidates. Due to a confidentiality agreement, he did not release the names of the candidates, but said the committee is performing their duty to A&M.
"We're concerned about [the students and faculty] and their concerns and want them to be represented and involved and be a part of the process," Box said.
The committee has received more than 300 nominations for candidates since July. The committee reduced that number to 15 Oct. 30 and most recently to eight candidates with two alternates. However, Box said the committee is keeping the doors open for a "super-candidate."
"We're looking for someone of special quality that we think can be the next A&M president," Box said.
In the next step of the search process, committee members will conduct off-site interviews with the candidates and calling references to verify abilities and qualifications. The list will be narrowed down to three or four candidates who will be interviewed by stakeholders in the Aggie community who will bring feedback to the committee.
The top names are then confirmed and sent to the Board of Regents. The candidates will come to campus for on-site interviews before the board comes to a final decision. A waiting period of 21 days will precede the announcement of the president to the public.
"We hope to keep to the timeline and have someone named by the end of February," Box said.
Though this process has been quicker than the previous presidential search process, Box said some have suggested that the process be extended to ensure the best candidates were nominated. However, if the committee waits too long, it is possible they would lose candidates, Box said.
"We're on a good track to get the next president," Box said.
Students are not left out of the selection process. Student representatives including Student Body President Kolin Loveless, Corps of Cadets Commander Brent Lanier and President of the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medicine Association Meredith Maloney are privy to the proceedings and will be able to interview the top candidates during the on-site interviews.
"They've been exposed to all the names and will be able to interview the candidates," Box said.
Open forums regarding the presidential selection process solicited student input. "We've tried to be as transparent as we possibly can so the Aggie stakeholders can stay informed," Box said.
"We're concerned about [the students and faculty] and their concerns and want them to be represented and involved and be a part of the process," Box said.
The committee has received more than 300 nominations for candidates since July. The committee reduced that number to 15 Oct. 30 and most recently to eight candidates with two alternates. However, Box said the committee is keeping the doors open for a "super-candidate."
"We're looking for someone of special quality that we think can be the next A&M president," Box said.
In the next step of the search process, committee members will conduct off-site interviews with the candidates and calling references to verify abilities and qualifications. The list will be narrowed down to three or four candidates who will be interviewed by stakeholders in the Aggie community who will bring feedback to the committee.
The top names are then confirmed and sent to the Board of Regents. The candidates will come to campus for on-site interviews before the board comes to a final decision. A waiting period of 21 days will precede the announcement of the president to the public.
"We hope to keep to the timeline and have someone named by the end of February," Box said.
Though this process has been quicker than the previous presidential search process, Box said some have suggested that the process be extended to ensure the best candidates were nominated. However, if the committee waits too long, it is possible they would lose candidates, Box said.
"We're on a good track to get the next president," Box said.
Students are not left out of the selection process. Student representatives including Student Body President Kolin Loveless, Corps of Cadets Commander Brent Lanier and President of the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medicine Association Meredith Maloney are privy to the proceedings and will be able to interview the top candidates during the on-site interviews.
"They've been exposed to all the names and will be able to interview the candidates," Box said.
Open forums regarding the presidential selection process solicited student input. "We've tried to be as transparent as we possibly can so the Aggie stakeholders can stay informed," Box said.
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