UArizona presidential search garners feedback from thousands in the community

During the past month, more than 4,200 students, faculty, staff and community members provided feedback on the qualities and characteristics they would like to see in the next University of Arizona president.

The Arizona Board of Regents the UArizona Presidential Search Advisory Committee solicited feedback during 19 listening tour sessions, dozens of individuals meetings, three public town halls, and through email and a campuswide survey. Stakeholders were invited to participate in person, in writing, online and anonymously.

“The input we’ve received is incredibly constructive and provides a sense of optimism for the future of this great university,” said Regent Doug Goodyear, one of three Regents participating on the UArizona Presidential Search Advisory Committee alongside ABOR Chair Cecilia Mata and Regent Fred DuVal. “On behalf of the board and committee, I want to thank the thousands of students, employees and community members who shared their thoughtful insights.”

Information gathered from the community will inform the development of the presidential profile position and assist the Search Advisory Committee in finalizing the evaluation criteria for presidential candidates.

More than 420 individuals participated in the listening tour and town halls, while the board has so far received 72 email comments and 3,798 survey responses. Of the students, employees and alumni who responded to ABOR’s campuswide survey, 36.9 percent were alumni, 26.8 percent staff, 18.2 percent students, 13.6 percent faculty and 4.5 percent were undesignated.

Survey results show integrity and ethics are the highest rated leadership qualities, while academic and university administrative experience are top skills sought in a potential candidate’s professional background. During the listening sessions, many shared that they want a president who is student-focused, understands cultural differences and has served at a strong research institution.

Comments on the search for the next president are still being taken and may be sent to UArizonaPresidentialSearch@azregents.edu.

The next Search Advisory Committee meeting is Wednesday, May 15 at 1 p.m. For more information about the search, click here.