UW Trustees Approve Contract with Search Consultant

The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees has selected a consulting firm to assist with the search for a new UW president, setting the stage for a focused and aggressive effort to recruit a new leader for the university.

Trustees voted today (Monday) to approve a contract with the firm of Storbeck Pimentel, choosing it over two other companies following interviews with their representatives in a public session July 17.

In addition, the board indicated it may consider an adjustment in the search timeline at the recommendation of Storbeck Pimentel, modifying the process with a target of identifying a new president possibly by January. Advertising of the position opening will begin shortly.

Storbeck Pimentel has participated in successful presidential searches for institutions including the University of Missouri, Florida State University, Northern Arizona University, the University of New Mexico, the University of California-Davis, the University of North Texas and the University of Denver.

“We believe Storbeck Pimentel will help us attract a talented and deep pool of candidates,” Board of Trustees President Dave Palmerlee says. “The board is deeply engaged and committed to finding the best possible person to lead the university, and we expect the consultant will help us achieve that objective.”

Working with the board’s search recruiter, former trustee Brad Mead, Storbeck Pimentel will recruit candidates and accept applications for the presidency.

“The process of assembling a highly qualified group of candidates requires the aggressive and focused deployment of a sound recruitment strategy,” says Alberto Pimentel, the firm’s managing partner who will lead its work for UW. “Since the vast majority of our target candidates will be happily employed at other institutions, we must convince them that the opportunity at UW is much better than their current situation. To do this effectively, we must involve key people in a strategic manner.

“Unlike a faculty search, the best candidates may not apply for the position or respond to an advertisement; they must be recruited,” Pimentel adds. “In this highly competitive environment, that necessitates an aggressive and opportunistic stance -- and close communication with all candidates to keep them informed of their status throughout the search.”

Applicants for the position will be reviewed by two committees composed of UW trustees, students, faculty and staff members, UW Foundation representatives, and members of the public. The first committee is charged with identifying a list of 10-15 candidates who warrant further consideration. The second committee will interview the candidates forwarded by the first committee and select three to five finalists to come to campus for public forums and interviews.

The names of applicants will be confidential until the list of finalists is released. Public forums will follow, allowing members of the public and the campus community to interact with the finalists.

“We will meet with the president of the Board of Trustees, the search recruiter and the search committee chairs regularly throughout the search process -- it’s vital for us to share information and receive feedback regarding the progress of the search and the qualifications of the candidates,” Pimentel says. “At the same time, the board has indicated that it will, to the extent possible, keep the public informed of the search progress through its different stages.”

The board continues to accept public comments about the presidential search via email at UW.Presidential.Search@uwyo.edu. For complete information about the presidential search, go to www.uwyo.edu/presidentsearch/.