The search is on for a new provost for Concordia College as Mark Krejci steps down from this position.
According to Judith Ward, one of two consultants hired for the search, the college hopes to have several finalists selected by March.
However, the new administrator may be welcomed to the college under a new title. President William Craft is currently reviewing the position to decide if a new title should be created. Currently, the position is being called by the title “Chief Academic Officer.”
A search committee has been created and their names are expected to be released at a later date. For the time being, the two search consultants are starting what they call a “listening tour.” This involves a series of meetings with various groups to get a feel for what is expected in a candidate.
One of these meetings took place Tuesday with leaders of student organizations. The students gave their expectations for the new chief academic officer, which included communication skills and being open to change.
Meg Henrickson, Student Government Association president, requested “someone who will take student input seriously.”
Ward said that in previous sessions there had been requests for “someone who knows my name.”
Ward stated in the meeting that the committee hopes to keep the campus updated with the search process through a website that is being created. They also hope to use surveys to get feedback from students, faculty and administrators.
“I think it’ll be a good, transparent process,” Ward said.
