The MTSU Board of Trustees released a timeline for the university’s presidential search process following its quarterly board meeting on Tuesday.
Current president Sidney A. McPhee announced in March that he will step down at the end of his contract in December, following 25 years in the role.
The board will soon sign a contract with an executive recruitment firm to aid it in the process of choosing McPhee’s successor.
“We’re going to have the correct process. Nobody can say we’ll get the right person, but we’re going to have the right process. So I am pleased with that,” Chairman Stephen B. Smith said.
Timeline for Selection Process
- By July: Smith said the board will appoint a Presidential Search Committee. The committee will then engage with key stakeholders for input on drafting the position profile – a document outlining the responsibilities, qualifications and expectations for the role.
- By September: The position profile will be released.
- By October: The committee will review applications and identify up to three finalists for the presidency, Smith said.
- November and December: The three finalists will be invited to campus for interviews and public forums.
- By December: Smith said he anticipates calling a special trustees meeting to make the appointment.
During the board meeting on June 17, trustees issued a statement and approved a list of qualifications for the next university president. The list of qualifications includes:
- Championing initiatives that improve student success
- Taking on an ambassador role for the university
- Being able to adjust to new policies on education
“The successful candidate will combine strategic, visionary leadership with operational discipline to ensure that the university continues to adapt to evolving educational, economic and workforce needs, guiding MTSU confidently into its next era of growth and distinction,” the statement said.
