Drury launches unconventional search for next president
Drury University has decided against conducting a "traditional national search" for its next president.
Lyle Reed, chair of Drury's Board of Trustees is asking alumni — and others — to nominate potential candidates for the job. He said the person with the right fit may not even be looking for a new job right now.
"We will instead do a confidentially sensitive and targeted search for the right individual to lead Drury through and beyond the current challenges facing higher education," Reed wrote in a letter to alumni. "In plain words we are not looking for someone that simply wants a job, but are going after the person we feel will take us to our rightful place of being among the very best liberal arts schools in our greater region."
Drury President David Manuel recently announced plans to retire in May. He was hired nearly three years ago.
In the update, Reed told alumni that the board has developed a list of six "preferences" that it seeks in the university's top leader.
• Proven charismatic leader, strategic visionary and management team builder, including across campus constituencies.
• Potential for longevity with an indication of interest in the same.
• Experience with higher education fundraising and willingness to lead a near-term major campaign.
• Personally compatible with the culture and character of Drury and the Springfield community.
• Terminally degreed; agreeable to living on campus; spouse’s willingness to be reasonably active in Drury affairs.
• Experienced current challenges confronting higher education.
Reed wrote that a candidate for the job must understand the financial impact of those challenges on private liberal arts colleges and recognize the need to develop the "right strategic enrollment management plan" for the university.
To start the search process, the board formed a group that includes faculty members, a senior staff representative, an officer from the alumni council and select board members.
"As we strive to find the 'right' person we welcome your involvement in identifying good fit candidates," Reed wrote. "If you know of a qualified individual please let us know who they are."
Bonnie Wilcox, administrative assistant to trustees, will collect the names of any nominees for the job. Her email is bwilcox@drury.edu. The names will be kept confidential, Reed said.
“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 wrote. “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.”