Description of new Arkansas State University System President position defined

The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees has voted to approve a position description, profile and advertising plan for the next system president.

Jay Lemons, president and senior consultant of Academic Search, the national firm retained by the board to lead the search process, said advertising in key national higher education websites and e-newsletters would begin quickly.

The published “Presidential Leadership Agenda” states that the system president will be expected to work in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, system leaders, and campus executives to sustain the momentum of the past decade. The next president will provide a vision, planning and strategy for the system’s development.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will provide a plan to grow enrollment, make the case for higher education and will advocate and lead.

According to the documents, the review of applications will begin April 12 and continue until the position is filled. Trustee Price Gardner of Little Rock, who is serving as chair of the Board of Trustees search process, said the goal is for the board to conduct interviews in April and reach a decision by May for a July 1 start.

The approved advertising plan includes executive search packages with the Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed and other niche websites related to higher education.

Dr. Chuck Welch announced Nov. 14 that he would resign as system president after nearly 13 years of service effective Jan. 15 to become president and chief executive officer of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Dr. Robin Myers, who retired in July after 11 years as chancellor of ASU-Mountain Home, is serving as interim president.