State Board of Education President Blake Hall has announced the appointment of the University of Idaho Presidential Screening Committee. The members were selected from nominations and applications received and are based upon commitment to the University of Idaho and its role in Idaho higher education.
The University of Idaho has responsibility to serve the entire state of Idaho in specified professional programs, research, and agricultural extension. In choosing a screening committee to search for a new president at UI, the Board President appointed members who represent the University's major constituencies and interests throughout the state. The Committee is organized to consider widespread interest and campus groups, yet is small enough to ensure functionality and efficiency. The Committee will be responsible for recruiting and screening applicants, performing preliminary reference checks, and making a recommendation to the State Board of Education. The State Board will ultimately make the decision as to which candidate is hired for the position.
Opportunities for input from individuals and groups not included on the Screening Committee will also be provided. "The Board is interested in ensuring that interested parties have an opportunity to contribute and participate in choosing the next president of the University of Idaho. The Board plans to provide community and campus members an opportunity to participate in the selection process through on-campus visits and receptions with the finalists," stated Board President Blake Hall.
Preliminary projections show that it will take approximately six to eight months to complete the search process. Screening Committee Chair and State Board Vice President Jim Hammond noted, "the Board is very aware of the significance and long-term impact of appointing a new university president. Our goal is to find a leader with a strong commitment to excellence in higher education who can continue and enhance the tradition of quality academics and research for which the UI is known."
Dr. Robert Hoover resigned as President of the UI in April 2003, where he had served since 1995. Currently, Mr. Gary Michael, former CEO of Albertson, Inc., is serving as Interim President at the University.