Spring Break
UM presidential search gains focus
Derek Simons
Issue date: 3/19/07 Section: News
The University of Missouri (UM) Board of Curators is searching for someone to replace outgoing UM System President Elson S. Floyd. As part of a statewide effort to get local feedback, two of the curators held a focus group at UMKC last Friday.
"The University plays a critical role in the state of Missouri," said Board of Curators Chair Don Walsworth. "The selection of the president is one of the most important responsibilities the Board will have to face."
The person chosen will be the 22nd president since the founding of the University in 1839.
"Today we're doing this [focus group] on behalf of the 5th and 6th districts, which Don and I represent," said recently-appointed Curator Warren K. Erdman, a member of the UMKC Board of Trustees.
Jerry Baker, head of Baker & Associates, LLC, the firm conducting the search, outlined the requisites necessary for the job of UM System president and chief executive officer of the UM Health Care System.
"This person must have an academic background," said Baker. "The board has been very wise in not making me look too narrowly as to what the academic credentials will be."
He said they were not looking for a manager, but a leader.
"Within the academic background, the person must - and this is non-negotiable - understand what it means, effectively and thoroughly, to run a business," Baker said.
When they opened the floor to questions from the 18 people present, several concerns were raised.
UMKC Director of Events and Conference Services Joan Bubacz asked about the diversity of the candidates being considered.
Baker said his firm has one of the best hiring rates in the nation for minority candidates.
"Over the last five years, roughly one third have been men and women of color," he said. "Your board will have choices."
UMKC Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Gary Ebersole emphasized the importance of a solid academic background and an understanding of research universities as necessary to gaining the respect of the faculty he represents.
"The University plays a critical role in the state of Missouri," said Board of Curators Chair Don Walsworth. "The selection of the president is one of the most important responsibilities the Board will have to face."
The person chosen will be the 22nd president since the founding of the University in 1839.
"Today we're doing this [focus group] on behalf of the 5th and 6th districts, which Don and I represent," said recently-appointed Curator Warren K. Erdman, a member of the UMKC Board of Trustees.
Jerry Baker, head of Baker & Associates, LLC, the firm conducting the search, outlined the requisites necessary for the job of UM System president and chief executive officer of the UM Health Care System.
"This person must have an academic background," said Baker. "The board has been very wise in not making me look too narrowly as to what the academic credentials will be."
He said they were not looking for a manager, but a leader.
"Within the academic background, the person must - and this is non-negotiable - understand what it means, effectively and thoroughly, to run a business," Baker said.
When they opened the floor to questions from the 18 people present, several concerns were raised.
UMKC Director of Events and Conference Services Joan Bubacz asked about the diversity of the candidates being considered.
Baker said his firm has one of the best hiring rates in the nation for minority candidates.
"Over the last five years, roughly one third have been men and women of color," he said. "Your board will have choices."
UMKC Faculty Senate Chair Dr. Gary Ebersole emphasized the importance of a solid academic background and an understanding of research universities as necessary to gaining the respect of the faculty he represents.
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