April 29, 2011
Dear Colleagues,
As members of the Presidential Search Committee who represent the college community, we wanted to share with you some of our reflections on the search process and how it has proceeded, as well as our thoughts on the qualities that we have come to believe are necessary for a successful presidential candidate.
As is the case at many colleges and universities currently conducting a search for a president, this process involved a high degree of confidentiality, prescreening of several potential candidates (with the assistance of a professional search firm), and eventually, interviews with a small group of likely candidates. It was important for the search committee to start with the idea that we would respect the agreement between the Trustees of the College and the Jesuit Community to seek out a leader from the Jesuit order. We also want you to know that names brought to our attention from members of the Holy Cross community were passed on to the search committee. We feel that the process was thorough and fair.
As we developed the position description, it quickly became apparent that the individual who we would want to lead our institution had to possess a vast array of qualities—inspiring and visionary leadership, unmitigated respect for academic excellence, interest in the professional and spiritual needs of various constituencies on our campus, an ability to listen to the voices of our community members alongside the capacity to make important decisions, and proven success in fundraising. As you can imagine, it takes a special person to fulfill all of these requirements.
Shortly, we will be bringing an individual to campus who we believe will provide the type of leadership that Holy Cross needs as we continue to press for academic excellence and the resources to sustain and grow our work. We are interested in hearing your thoughts and reactions, about the process and about the candidate. Please feel free to contact us at any time.
| Danuta Bukatko, Professor Psychology/Education |
Thomas Cecil, Professor Mathematics |