The search for a new Indiana University president is advancing as trustees have begun speaking to potential candidates. Trustee Melanie Walker, who chairs the search committee, updated the group on the search’s progress during the February board meeting.
As stated at the beginning of the search, diversity is a particular focus, both in the candidate pool and within the achievements of the candidates. Walker noted that candidates are all asked about experiences in resolving equity-related issues, strategies to increase diverse candidates with a particular focus on Black faculty, graduate students, and administrators, and the diversity of their own senior staff.
She added that other areas of focus in speaking to candidates are student engagement and success, advancing faculty research and teaching, engaging university stakeholders, the impact on the state of Indiana and its economy, and how well the candidate has handled financial matters, as well as overall leadership and managing change.
Because of the need for confidentiality concerning candidates who currently serve at other institutions, no finalist list will be announced.
In August 2020, IU President Michael A. McRobbie announced his intention to retire in June 2021 after 14 years at the helm of Indiana University. A new president will be in place by that time.
The IU Board of Trustees announced the creation of two committees to conduct and advise on the search for President McRobbie’s successor last October. R. William Funk and Associates is assisting in the search. Funk and Associates has conducted more than 400 searches for university presidents and chancellors.
