This page provides periodic updates from Presidential Search Committee Chairman Rod Pitts regarding the search for Friends University’s 13th president.

February 28, 2011

Friends University Names 13th President

Upon the recommendation of the Presidential Search Committee, the Friends University Board of Trustees at its Feb. 26th board meeting unanimously selected Dr. T.J. Arant to become the 13th president. We are excited and look forward to welcoming T.J. and his wife, Susan, to the Friends University family this July.

I extend my deepest appreciation to members of the Presidential Search Committee for conducting a search that adhered to the highest ethical and professional standards.  Their intense work and dedication to a process-driven search allowed us to assemble a pool of qualified candidates, in which Dr. Arant become the top candidate.

This update now concludes a successful search for the 13th president of Friends University.  Please continue to check www.friends.edu for updates on the transition.

Rod Pitts, chair
Board of Trustees & Presidential Search Committee

Jan. 10, 2011

Finalists Selected for 13th President

After a nationwide and highly process-driven search that included more than 70 applicants, the Presidential Search Committee is pleased to announce the selection of four finalists, as follows:

Dr. Deneese Jones, Dean, College of Education and Human Services,
Longwood University, Farmville, Virginia

Dr. Tom Keon, Dean, College of Business Administration,
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida

Dr. TJ Arant, Executive Vice President/Provost,
Mount Olive College, Mount Olive, North Carolina

Dr. William Berry, Executive Vice President/Provost,
University of Dallas, Irving, Texas

Each finalist is scheduled to visit the University for interviews by the Board of Trustees as well as meetings with the Friends University community over the next three weeks.  After the completion of the on-site interview process, the Board of Trustees is expected to select the next president in the coming months.  The 13th president of Friends University will take office July 1, 2011 following the retirement of Dr. Biff Green and his outstanding leadership as the 12th President these past 20 years.

Thank you for your interest in the search for the 13th president of Friends University!

Rod Pitts, chair
Board of Trustees & Presidential Search Committee

Dec. 16, 2010

Thank you for your interest in the search for the 13th president of Friends University. Off-site interviews were recently conducted with candidates and the pool further narrowed. We are now conducting the next phase of extensive reference checks and hope to conclude this process by year-end, with finalists announced in early January. We continue to be encouraged by the quality and experience of the candidates. We look forward to bringing finalists to the Wichita campus in late January/early February.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and Search Committee, we wish you a Merry Christmas and blessed holiday season.

Rod Pitts, chair
Board of Trustees & Presidential Search Committee

Nov. 1, 2010

The search for the 13th president is progressing well! The search committee has now completed a thorough review of all applications and recently met to narrow the highly-qualified pool. A short list of candidates has been identified, and extensive reference and background checks are underway. Following completion of this due diligence phase, off-site interviews will be scheduled. At this point, we are slightly ahead of schedule and hope to further narrow the pool to finalists by the first of the year. When announced, the curriculum vitae and background information for each finalist will be posted on this website, allowing time for public viewing before on-campus interviews are scheduled in late January. The work of the search committee has been positive and deliberations conducted in a manner of reaching consensus.

We are encouraged by the strength, depth and experience of the candidate pool and look forward to interviews with candidates. Thank you for your interest in the search for the 13th president of Friends University.

Rod Pitts, chair
Board of Trustees & Presidential Search Committee

Sept. 30, 2010

Thank you for your interest in the search for the 13th president of Friends University! 

The search successfully launched earlier in September, and to date we are in the early stages of receiving applications and expressions of interest. AGB Search, our search consulting firm is following up on all prospective candidates. The search committee will begin formally reviewing applications in October. In an effort to further gain academic representation from our three colleges, a faculty sub-committee was formed and will be led by Dr. J. Michelle Robertson, Faculty Senate Chair (also a member of the Presidential Search Committee). This subcommittee is comprised of faculty representatives from the three colleges:

• College of Business, Arts, Sciences and Education (2)
• Graduate School (1)
• College of Adult and Professional Studies (1)

To attract the best and most qualified candidates, a search of this nature requires strict confidentiality. Although we would like to share candidate information with all of you, we are not in a position to do so at this time for many reasons.  We will, however, share the names and background information for all finalists (anticipate January 2011). All those involved in this search are committed to ensuring the integrity of the process and candidate confidentiality.

I sincerely appreciate the input many of you offered at the town hall meetings and open forum sessions earlier in September. The comments about leadership priorities and presidential attributes will have an impact on the committee as it begins this important work.

Rod Pitts, chair
Board of Trustees & Presidential Search Committee

Sept. 13, 2010

A University town hall meeting took place Wednesday, Sept. 8, for faculty, staff and administration. After an update on the search process and timeline, an opportunity was given for attendees to share input on leadership priorities and attributes for the next president. As such, the Position Profile was then finalized and is available on this site. Additionally, this week the advertisement began to run nationally in various higher education media outlets.

We are now accepting applications and nominations for review by the Presidential Search Committee. Please see the Position Profile for information and the application process and requirements.

Thank you for your interest in the search for the 13th president of Friends University!  

Rod Pitts, chair
Board of Trustees & Presidential Search Committee

Aug. 24, 2010
 
Welcome to the first of many updates in the search for the 13th president of Friends University.

The Presidential Search Committee convened as a group Friday, Aug. 20, to accept the charge from the Board of Trustees and agree on the search timeline and processes that will be employed in identifying final candidates to recommend to the full board. Additionally, the committee reviewed the need for strict confidentiality in conducting the search and agreed to a Code of Conduct. Considerable time was spent identifying leadership attributes with all University constituents on the committee participating and identifying important qualities.
 
The full Board of Trustees met in a half-day retreat Saturday, Aug. 21, to hear an update on the search process and to identify leadership attributes and qualities the next president should possess to lead the University. Additionally, the board discussed priorities for the University during the next five to 10-plus years that will be consistent with our mission and strategic initiatives. These elements will be woven into our Institutional Profile, which will be available on this website after Labor Day.
 
I am very encouraged by the positive tone, spirit and dedication of the Committee and Board of Trustees as we launch the presidential search. We covet your prayers for wisdom and discernment in this most important leadership transition.
 
Thank you for your interest in the search for the 13th president of Friends University!  
 
Rod Pitts, chair
Board of Trustees & Presidential Search Committee