Campus Connection: June 11, 2019

In what was largely an organizational meeting on Thursday, June 6, search committee chair Steve Clark outlined the role of the committee. KBOR has been asked the committee to signify a candidate’s strengths in the following areas: (1) leadership and decision making; (2) strategic planning and vision; (3) innovation; (4) attracting and retaining students; (5) partnering with business and industry; (6) ability to create applied learning opportunities; (7) cultivation of a positive, professional and productive campus workforce; (8) fundraising and financial stewardship; and (9) supporting the role of faculty.

The committee received more than 400 survey responses to review before its first meeting. Transparency and diversity were significant themes among survey respondents. However, there was a long list of ideas or preferences, which included choosing a president who is frequently seen on the campus and in the community and who is warm and approachable.

Other preferences included choosing a president who appreciates academia, is a relationship builder, understands the business community, and can be a leader in economic development.

Survey respondents and the search committee members also desire an effective communicator who is kind, motivated, honest, ethical, courageous, and who has a lot of energy. 

At one point, a committee member observed that all we want is “Superman or Superwoman,” a comment that drew laughter.

An executive search firm experienced in higher education CEO searches was hired by the Regents to assist in the search.  Representatives of the firm, Wheless Partners, attended the search committee meeting and conducted four public forums later in the day. They said their intent is to bring the best pool of candidates to the attention of the committee.

Faculty, staff and students on the committee actively participated in the discussions.

The committee spent considerable time outlining strengths that would attract presidential candidates to Wichita State.

The list (in no particular order) included business, engineering, healthcare, innovation campus, devoted alumni, faculty and students, quality of life in the community, vibrant research facility, great partnerships, entrepreneurial activity, resurgence of community pride, rich history of applied learning, global focus with international students, diversity of student population, Upward Bound, students services and support, veterans program, new residence halls, attitude of listening to students, mix of commuter and traditional focus, no rush hour, vibrant arts community, cultural opportunities, appealing cost of living, and a fiscally stable university.

Another aspect that could be appealing is the governance structure in Kansas, where KBOR is responsible for six public universities, rather than a board focused on a single university, as in some other states.

The next step is for the search firm, with committee authorization, to prepare a presidential profile for approval from KBOR later this month.

Candidate applications will be accepted during July and August, before the committee begins the task of narrowing the pool in September. After the Regents receive the committee’s recommendation of three-to-five unranked candidates in October, KBOR members will undertake their own candidate interviews before making a decision and announcing a new President for WSU.

------------------

About 100 people attended one of four forums held Thursday afternoon June 6, with the vast majority of those attending either the faculty or staff forums. Each forum was opened by Search Chair Steve Clark, who encouraged participants to submit names of promising candidates, or encourage promising candidates to apply. The forums were led by Michael Ballew, from the Wheless Partners search firm.

More than 420 completed surveys were submitted to the search committee.

Faculty Forum

Nearly 50 people attended the faculty forum Thursday afternoon. Attendees expressed the following thoughts:

• Want a president who understands what it means to be a university and understands that Wichita State is not a vocational-technical college that serves business. Understands that WSU can serve the needs of business by producing well-rounded students who can change and adapt as business changes. For example, the student might not know the software used presently in business, but should be able to learn that software and the software that is used in four years, six years and 10 years.

• Understands the importance of research at Wichita State and the growth of that research. That is needed to attract quality graduate students, who teach and research.

• Academic qualifications, mainly a PhD., and understands how faculty work, the process and importance of tenure and tenure-track positions. Understands the need to invest in faculty.

• Understands transparency and communication when dealing with changes around the university.

• A president should operate on campus and in the community with equal skill in order to work with students and faculty and fund-raise, build links with business, alumni and civic leaders.

• A president should understand and promote academic programs outside of STEM and highlight innovation happening in those areas.

• Wichita State is the state’s only urban school and its most diverse university. A president must embrace those factors, and Wichita State’s desire to attract and educate first-generation students.

• Fund-raising to counter the drop in state funds. Working with industry so that industry will speak up for education to help with state funding.

• Understands the importance of sustainability, energy production.

• Lowering tuition to help students.

Staff Forum

 About 45 staff attended a forum Thursday afternoon. Search committee chair Steve Clark encouraged attendees to refer potential candidates to the committee.

Attendees expressed the following thoughts:

• Concerns over the lack of representation for USS on the search committee.

• The need for a president who will be out on the campus and take part in campus life and activities.

• Tap into the talent on campus; more team leadership, student focus and attentive to student demographics / tuition costs / best use of current resources.

• Invest in our buildings and our people - talent development.

• Invest in our IT systems.

• Willing to take risks.

• Pay attention to trends and industry so that we offer programs our students needs and will be interested in.

• Values diversity - specifically within faculty.

• We need a president who understands what being an economic driver looks like for the state and local community

• Must attend sports / activities.

• Someone who is proactive vs reactivating (example of our accessibility efforts).

• Champion for voices not always heard - mental health; be inclusive in the decision.

• Sense of humor; can joke; be light hearted - also clear, forward, authentic.

• Reward / incentive system - outside of salary.

• Commitment to shared governance - no fear of retaliation.

Student Forum

A handful of students attended a forum for the presidential search. Following are some of the comments:

• Students want a president who understands non-traditional commuter student needs / barriers. Disability student needs include the importance of making campus accessible.

• When asked how they would sell WSU to presidential candidates, students replied:

• Sense of community, a lot of pride.

• City of Wichita; growing identity and points of pride - ICT flag.

• Private / public partnerships show how others are investing in the university.

• Wichita isn’t a college town, we are not KU or K-State. We have positives for applied learning in our city location.

• Pretty campus - best sculpture collection (top 10 in the world).

• Great sense of diversity, support networks for all.

• Easy to get around in the city, quick access. 

Community Forum

A number of students and staff also attended the community forum.

More information is available at Presidential Search.