The search for Mississippi University for Women”s next president continues, with a series of public-input sessions scheduled on campus next Thursday.
Members of the Campus Search Advisory Committee will solicit feedback from community leaders, MUW administrators and department heads, faculty members, staff, alumni and other groups, asking each what qualities and qualifications they would like to see in MUW”s next leader.
The bulk of the listening sessions will take place in the ballroom at MUW”s Cochran Hall. Three microphones will be set up for participants from each group to ask questions and talk about what they feel the next president should bring to MUW in terms of background, experience, outlook and overall vision.
“Mostly, they can just express what they feel is important for the university to move forward,” said Caron Blanton, director of communications for the state College Board, which is heading the search.
Presidential candidates have until Sept. 2 to submit applications. Once the Campus Listening Sessions are complete, members of the Search Advisory Committee will use the input they gleaned to submit qualified candidates to the Board Search Committee. Candidates will be interviewed this fall.
Allegra Brigham has served as interim president since 2010, following former MUW president Claudia Limbert”s retirement in June 2010. Blanton said the College Board hopes to have a new president in place by the end of the year.
Next Thursday”s Campus Listening Sessions will adhere to the following schedule:
- 7:30 a.m.: Community leaders in the President”s Dining Room at Hogarth Hall
- 9:15 a.m.: President”s Cabinet (interim president and lead administrators) in the ballroom at Cochran Hall
- 10 a.m.: Deans and senior program officers in the ballroom at Cochran Hall
- 10:45 a.m.: Division chairs and department heads in the ballroom at Cochran Hall
- 11:30 a.m.: Student representatives in Pope Banquet Hall
- 12:30 a.m.: Faculty representatives in the ballroom at Cochran Hall
- 1:15 p.m.: Staff representatives in the ballroom at Cochran Hall
- 2 p.m.: Alumni and Foundation representatives in the ballroom at Cochran Hall
- 2:45 p.m.: Open meeting for campus and community in the ballroom at Cochran Hall
Those who are not able to attend will be able to read the minutes of the sessions, along with all comments made — with names deleted — on the state College Board”s website at www.mississippi.edu/ieo/muw_search.asp.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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