Drury University is finalizing a search committee roster composed of various school officials and alumni that will help choose the school’s next president.
In late October, current president Dr. David Manuel said he’ll retire in May at the end of his contractual commitment.
The university sent a letter to members of its campus community this week outlining the search process. Board Chairman Lyle Reed said the board is seeking “the person we feel will take us to our rightful place of being among the very best liberal arts schools in our greater region.”
A news release states that the process will be led by the committee and that the full Board of Trustees will be responsible for hiring the president.
Qualities and skills sought in a new president and outlined by Reed in the letter include a “proven charismatic leader, strategic visionary and management team builder” who understands the current challenges facing higher education as a whole and private liberal arts colleges in particular.
Input and nominations are sought from the campus community and other stakeholders to identify candidates.
“With the trending changes confronting the economy and society, higher education will be challenged to prepare future generations for both careers and life. It will not be easy and requires extraordinary vision and leadership skills,” Reed said. “That is the reason the Board of Trustees considers finding Drury’s next president to be the most demanding task we have confronted in a long time, and why your thoughts and input are welcomed.”
