Forums on UW Presidential Search Process May 4

Members of the University of Wyoming community and the public can voice their opinions about the process to select a new president at two forums Monday, May 4.

The first, for the campus community, is scheduled from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Ballroom. The other, for the public, is set for 6:30-8 p.m. at the UW Conference Center. Both forums are open to everyone.

The forums will be hosted by a five-member committee of the UW Board of Trustees charged with gathering input to present to the full Board of Trustees. President Dick McGinity has recommended the board initiate a search for a new president to succeed him at the conclusion of his contract in summer 2016.

The presidential search planning committee, appointed by Board of Trustees President Dave Palmerlee of Buffalo, consists of board members Mel Baldwin of Afton, John MacPherson of Saratoga, Mike Massie of Laramie, Jeff Marsh of Torrington and Michelle Sullivan of Sheridan.

Issues to be considered include how to develop a statement of qualifications for the position; whether to engage a search consultant; what types of committees might be involved in reviewing applications and screening candidates; and the timetable for conducting the search. Opportunities to comment on other issues, including preferred qualities and experiences for a new president, will occur later, after the board determines the search process.

People with input on the search process also are invited to email their ideas to UW.Presidential.Search@uwyo.edu. A presidential search Web page has been established at www.uwyo.edu/presidentsearch, and people can offer comments there as well.

While on campus, members of the committee will meet with representatives of the Faculty Senate, the Staff Senate, the Associated Students of UW and others to seek their thoughts on the search process.

In order for comments to receive full consideration by the committee, it is recommended that they be submitted no later than Monday, May 11.

After considering all input, the committee intends to report to the full Board of Trustees at its regularly scheduled May 13-15 meeting.