This week, the Presidential Search Committee completed two days of interviewing eight semi-finalist candidates. The candidates were asked to prepare a case study for the interview team, and a wide range of questions and conversation took place touching on various areas of university life. Again, each candidate was well-qualified, had done their homework about Hamline, and presented to us a variety of skill sets, experience, and leadership gifts. All were very excited about the opportunity of leading Hamline.
At the end of the two days, we performed the important and difficult task of selecting the finalist candidates who we believe bring what Hamline needs most in its next president. We are in the process of extending invitations to three finalists who will spend extended time with us on November 18, 19, and 20.
Each candidate will have the opportunity to meet again with the Search Committee, with stakeholder groups of alumni, faculty, staff, and students, the University Leadership Team, and Acting/Interim President Murray. They will also meet with, and make a presentation to, the Board of Trustees. This will be an important time for each candidate to learn more about Hamline by speaking to a wide range of stakeholders, and for the Search Committee to receive impressions and input from those stakeholders. As we expand our circle of community engagement, all stakeholders involved will be asked to sign confidentiality agreements, and it is critical that we maintain that confidentiality for the sake of the candidates’ current positions. So again, I thank you for honoring that request in your interactions with stakeholders and search committee members.
Thank you to Alumni Relations, Faculty Council, HUSA, and HUSC for nominating representative stakeholders and for the time they will dedicate over the three days for this important work. Reference, background, and social media checks will be conducted on all finalist candidates and with that information considered, the Search Committee will meet on December 4 to make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees of at least two candidates for their consideration.
The Board of Trustees will meet that afternoon to receive those recommendations, with the intention of determining the candidate they will invite to accept the position as Hamline University’s 22nd president.
Thank you for your support of the work of the Presidential Search Committee and your continued commitment to Hamline University.
Sincerely,
Cindy Gregorson ’81
Trustee
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
