The planning of the presidential search is underway, and I would like to provide you with an update.
Search committee
First, I am pleased to announce that the membership of the presidential search committee has been finalized.
Committee Members:
- Ruth Brinkley, Trustee
- Chris Del Moral-Niles, Trustee
- Mary Dempsey, Trustee
- Aesha Engeldinger, Associate Director of Enrollment Services, Office of Financial Aid
- Matthew Girson, Professor of Art, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- Jack Greenberg, Life Trustee
- Judy Greffin, Chair of the Search Committee, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
- Fr. Jim Maher, Trustee
- Gregory Mark, Professor of Law, College of Law
- Quinetta Shelby, Associate Professor of Chemistry, College of Science and Health
- Sonia Soltero, President of Faculty Council, Professor and Chair Department of Leadership, Language and Curriculum, College of Education
- Jennifer Steans, Trustee
- Victoria Van Kirk Pride, President of Staff Council, Associate Director of Housing Operations, Department of Housing, Dining and Student Centers
- Watfae Zayed, President of Student Government Association
Ex Officio Members:
- Gerald Beeson, Chair of the Board of Trustees
- Harry Harczak, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
- Fr. Pat McDevitt, Trustee, Provincial of the Western Province of the Congregation of the Mission
My thanks to the Faculty Council, the Staff Council, and the Student Government Association for providing representatives to serve on this committee.
Listening sessions
Second, I would like to invite you to take part in our upcoming listening sessions with our search team from Isaacson Miller. The sessions will focus on discussing the position itself and the important opportunities and challenges that will face the next president.
Faculty sessions
Tuesday, Sept. 14
3 – 4 p.m. CT
Zoom link
Wednesday, Sept. 15
9 – 10 a.m. CT
Zoom link
Staff sessions
Wednesday, Sept. 15
4 – 5 p.m. CT
Zoom link
Thursday, Sept. 16
9 – 10 a.m. CT
Zoom link
Student Sessions
Thursday, Sept. 16
3 – 4 p.m. CT
Zoom link
Friday, Sept. 17
9 – 10 a.m. CT
Zoom link
Please review the questions listed below to help us think about the future of our university and the ways in which we can tangibly assess the success of a new president:
- In five years, how will you know that the president has been successful? What are the criteria to suggest the president has made a real impact?
- What are the key issues, challenges and opportunities facing the president?
- What does the president need to know about DePaul University to be successful?
Once the search firm has had an opportunity to gather input from the university community, they will work with the search committee to synthesize what they have learned into a profile document. This profile will provide an overview of DePaul University, its history, mission and competitive environment, as well as a summary of the challenges, measures of success and ideal qualifications for the role. Once completed, Isaacson Miller will broadly share this document with prospective candidates and key sources for candidate referrals.
Online input
If you are unable to attend a listening session, or if you have additional information to share, you can complete this survey to provide your feedback.
Please feel free to nominate individuals who might be considered as candidates, or who might be helpful sources of leads. You may share any recommendations you may have here.
Vetting committees
Finally, as with our last presidential search, all finalists will meet with vetting committees comprised of representatives selected by each of the Faculty Council, Staff Council and the Student Government Association.
Please visit the search website for the latest search information. Thank you in advance for your active participation in this important effort – selecting our next president is critically important to the future, and we greatly appreciate your engagement. We look forward to hearing from you.
Judy Greffin is a DePaul trustee and chair of the Presidential Search Committee.