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Arizona Board of Regents approves NAU presidential search guidelines

(Phoenix, Ariz.) – Following the recent appointment of a search advisory committee, the Arizona Board of Regents has approved search guidelines for the selection of the next president of Northern Arizona University.

The search advisory committee – co-chaired by Regents Fred DuVal and Lyndel Manson – will assist the board in conducting its search for a successor to President Rita Cheng, who announced in September she will not seek an extension to her contract as NAU president.

According to the search guidelines, the advisory committee is tasked with identifying and recruiting a diverse pool of qualified applicants for the position, as well as conducting a preliminary assessment of each prospect’s individual qualifications. The board will review the prospects forwarded by the advisory committee and will consider the relative qualifications of each prospect and any assessments provided by the advisory committee and the search consultant. Prior to making its decision, the board may invite one or more candidates to the NAU campus to meet with students, faculty, community members and other constituencies.

“Northern Arizona University is a vital institution with roots that predate statehood. We take seriously our responsibility – as advisory committee co-chairs and as regents – to conduct a thorough and thoughtful leadership search to ensure NAU and its future are in the best possible hands,” said Regent Manson. “We encourage individuals who have an interest in this process to share their thoughts and stay informed through our website, which will be updated regularly with the latest information on the search process.”

“The Arizona Board of Regents is committed to a comprehensive, transparent search process for the role of NAU president,” said Regent DuVal. “This is a unique institution that we are confident will attract significant interest. Given the challenges that confront NAU and all universities, it is critical that the advisory committee identify a charismatic, innovative leader with the right vision for this institution.”

Information regarding individual prospects who may be considered or discussed during the search process will remain confidential. Any individual who accepts an invitation to participate in an interview with the full board will be advised that participation in interviews with the board will make them a candidate in the search and may require the public disclosure of the candidate’s identity and curriculum vitae or resume in accordance with Arizona public records laws.

After the conclusion of the search, the board will disclose aggregated information regarding persons whose qualifications were considered by the advisory committee and the board, including gender, age, race, ethnicity, current or prior positions held in academia or elsewhere, educational background and geographic diversity. The board will vote in a public meeting to appoint NAU’s new president and enter into employment contract negotiations.

 

Contacts:

Sarah Harper, 602-229-2542, 602-402-1341 | Sarah.K.Harper@azregents.edu