Search committee begins task of finding next chancellor
The members of the East Carolina University Chancellor Search Committee met for the first time Tuesday, Dec. 10 at ECU’s Main Campus Student Center to learn about the search process and their roles.
The search committee’s chair, Vern Davenport, is an ECU alumnus and serves as chair of the ECU Board of Trustees. He encouraged the committee to embrace the importance of the work they are beginning.
“The impact this person will make on this institution, on this community, on this region – our expectations are very high to find that right individual. It’s a very humbling responsibility we have, and I’m honored you’re joining me on this journey,” said Davenport.
UNC System Interim President Bill Roper attended the meeting and thanked the participants for their willingness to serve.
UNC System Interim President Bill Roper shares the characteristics he would like to see in ECU’s next chancellor. (Photo by Rhett Butler)
“This is a very important task, one that I, on behalf of the UNC system, thank all of you for your participation. This will not be easy or simple,” said Roper.
The 20-member group listened as Roper explained the characteristics he believed should be at the forefront of conversations as the committee looks at potential candidates. Among those he listed were – unwavering integrity and credibility, commitment to the value of public higher education, a public servant, and a professional with life experiences that would allow them to run an organization the size of ECU.
“We want someone who has a deep appreciation for the university life and culture – who values faculty, staff and students and is willing to support them inside and outside the classroom,” said Roper.
The proposed timeline for the search was shared with those in attendance. Invitations for applications will begin in February or March and the committee hopes to have a new chancellor in place before the start of the 2020 fall semester.
Davenport acknowledged the timeline was aggressive but manageable. He said the committee could find the perfect leader for ECU.
Listening sessions have been scheduled in January to allow the ECU community an opportunity to voice the traits they would like to see in the university’s next leader. The information from the sessions and the results of an online survey will be combined to help create the qualities and characteristics portion of the leadership profile used to recruit the next chancellor.
Davenport and several members of the search committee attended later the same day the regularly scheduled Faculty Senate meeting to receive input from faculty on the characteristics they would like to see in candidates.
Final dates, times and locations for the listening sessions will be posted on the Chancellor’s Search website.
- Jan. 21 and 22, ECU faculty/staff, ECU campus
- Jan. 23, Raleigh area
- TBD, Student forums
- TBD, Greenville community forum
The ECU Chancellor’s Search website is available for those seeking updates and more information. The site includes a list of committee members, announcements, detailed information about the search process and a form for comments.
-by Jamie Smith