The search for DU’s next chancellor is under way and moving forward, but information on its progress will remain confidential until the identity of finalists is announced to the public.
The search committee, led by Board of Trustees chair Joy Burns, has received both applications and nominations for the position but cannot release information as of yet.
“Every member of the search committee has assumed the responsibility of maintaining confidentiality regarding the search and the committee’s work,” said Carol Farnsworth, vice chancellor of communications and marketing at DU.
The search committee is composed of university administration, board members, faculty and alumni but no students. Students will not be involved in the search process until the opportunity to meet and question the chancellor finalists.
“Students will be notified when the identity of finalists is made public and the schedule of their interview meetings with the campus community, including students, faculty and staff, administrators and deans, is announced,” said Farnsworth.
Chancellor Daniel Ritchie himself, by personal choice, will not be involved in the search. While he is stepping down from the chancellorship of the university, Ritchie will take up the position of chairman of the Board of Trustees when a new chancellor is chosen. Information on whether Ritchie will move out of his DU-owned residence was not available.
According to Farnsworth, even a precise date for the end of the search is not set.
“The process could be complete by the end of the academic year, or it could take longer,” she said.
The search, or what information is available thus far, can be followed online through the Chancellor Search link on the DU Web site. The search Web site, operated by DU Communications and Marketing, gives information such as a description of the position, the qualities necessary to receive the position, information about the actual search process and the names of committee members. One section of the site lists the work of the committee, including the completion of the chancellor job description, the beginning of a national advertising plan, and the hiring of a search firm to assist the university.
The firm, A.T. Kearney, is a global management consulting firm originally based in Chicago. The firm operates in over 60 cities in 35 countries, including Europe and Africa.
However, the Search News section of the Web site is currently empty, so students are on the outside of the selection process looking in, at least for the time being.
