The search for Northern Michigan University's next president is “underway and on schedule,” with campus visits by finalists expected in late September and early October. Presidential Search Advisory Committee Chair Tami Seavoy presented a status report at today's convocation.
Parker Executive Search, the firm NMU contracted to assist with the process, is handling the initial work, encouraging prospects and gathering applications.
“Parker provided the committee with an update, which revealed that many qualified people are applying,” Seavoy said. “Once that work is completed, the committee will have a rubric based on the desired characteristics of the next president that the campus community identified at a meeting at the end of last semester and via email requests for input. Those responses, with input from our advisory committee, identified the key characteristics that were included in the posted job description. These will be the basis of the rubric that the committee uses to identify the candidates it wants to interview.”
From those selected for initial interviews, Seavoy said the advisory committee will select three to four unranked finalists to visit campus. The Northern community will be introduced to them and have an opportunity to provide feedback for the NMU Board of Trustees to consider when they bring back the candidates for interviews.
“Three years ago, we went through the same process, and it brought us excellent candidates and a very successful hire,” Seavoy added. “I have great confidence in this process and in our advisory committee's resolve to discern the most qualified people to introduce to you. This process allows many to express their opinions and to convey them to the board, which is ultimately responsible for hiring the next president.”
The Presidential Search Advisory Committee is composed of a variety of NMU stakeholders: trustees, administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members and the NMU Foundation. Learn more about the process here.