October 16, 2006
Notes from the October 9, 2006 Alumni Forum in San Francisco
Approximately 20 alumni gathered at the Four Season's hotel in downtown San Francisco for a forum regarding the Presidential search. Joie Gregor, vice-chair of the board of trustees co-chair of the search committee opened the meeting by thanking everyone in advance for their participation and continued support of the University. Gregor also welcomed other board members in attendance including alumni hosts Joe Mandato, EDM '04 and recent member to the board, Sam Jadallah, Ted Schroeder CIT'80, GRS'80, GRS'83, Thalia Dorwick FSM'66, GRS'73 and Trustee Emeritus Edward Esber. Joining Gregor from the search committee was Dr. Pam Davis, Interim Dean of the School of Medicine and Jennifer Bol, consultant with the search firm Spencer Stuart.
Gregor provided a brief overview of the current environment on campus, some of the challenges, but also commented on positive direction under the interim leadership of Dr. Eastwood, the involvement of the board and a commitment to more dialogue and communication with all stakeholders—alumni, faculty, staff, students and the community.
Bol reviewed that the search is a phased process which includes:
- Listening/Feedback forums
- Creation of the job specification – posted on the website
- Active outreach
- Recruitment
- Sourcing, referencing and due diligence.
Bol indicated that the phases were ongoing and that this is not a rushed process, but the university can anticipate a final candidate for consideration by February or March.
Gregor opened the forum for feedback both for the presidential search and alumni relations. Among the questions and comments discussed were the following topics:
- A new president should have the strong ability to raise profile of the University and attract financial resources
- The University and new leader need to Improve communication with alumni
- The University and new leader must consider an Internationalization strategy
- A new president should demonstrate a proven record of leadership and entrepreneurial skills
- The University needs to leverage technology
- The University should continue to engage alumni in the life of the University: teachers, recruiters, volunteers
- Alumni offered suggestions of potential candidates to the search firm to consider.