Echoes

Fall 2003

Draft – Chairman’s Corner

I will use this column of Chairman’s Corner to provide an update on the presidential search process under way at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. I do so with mixed emotions as we are in the final year of Sam Hulbert’s highly successful 28-year tenure as the leader of our great institution. The progress we have made during his time is unmatched in most quarters of higher education. His leadership has resulted in Rose-Hulman making major strides on several fronts, from curriculum development to capital improvements to increased national recognition. Sadly, for colleagues and friends at Rose-Hulman, he has announced plans to retire on June 30, 2004. Although he will be missed as both professional colleague and friend, he has left the college as an educational leader and in excellent shape for his successor.

I will sing President Hulbert’s praises further at appropriate times throughout the year, but at this time I believe it is important to provide an update on the search for his successor. I am pleased to report the search is progressing on schedule and as of this fall we have every reason to believe the search will come to a successful conclusion in the early spring of 2004.

All constituencies are represented on the 17-member search committee, and all voices are being heard. We are assisted in the process by Academic Search, a consultant service based in Washington, D.C.

The search committee met on October 23 and selected 16 candidates whose background and experience seem especially consistent with the presidential qualities and qualifications established for the search. Reference checks were made on those candidates with the goal of selecting a smaller number of candidates who will be invited to confidential preliminary interviews with the search committee. On completion of that round of interviews, the committee will select candidates to be asked to participate in more extensive interviews with a broad range of Rose-Hulman’s constituents.

We are very pleased with the quality and credentials of the candidate pool to this point in the process. Sam Hulbert has set the bar high, and we are seeking a person to build on the strong foundation he has set.

Rose-Hulman seeks a leader who will bring vision and continuity in building upon the Institute’s well-established base of academic excellence, sound fiscal management, and positive community relations. This will require working closely with all Rose-Hulman constituencies to preserve our institutional mission while continuing to improve the quality of education.

I now want to list some of the attributes we have advertised nationally. In addition to a terminal degree, the successful candidate will have a passion for moving Rose-Hulman forward and demonstrated ability (in no priority order) to:

	•	Think strategically and creatively in working with the Rose-Hulman community to determine institutional priorities and move to the next level of institutional achievement;
	•	Position Rose-Hulman to continue to be a national leader in undergraduate higher education for the sciences, engineering, and mathematics;
	•	Preserve the collegial environment of Rose-Hulman, encouraging mutual trust and respect throughout the institution;
	•	Be an effective advocate for incorporating the humanities and social sciences as part of an undergraduate education in engineering , science, and mathematics;
	•	Bring a national stature and a strong professional track record of leadership and fiscal management to the position;
	•	Inspire others to support the Rose-Hulman mission through effective communication both within and outside the institution;
	•	Maintain close relationships with alumni;
	•	Bring a strong student orientation and a firm commitment to teaching and academic excellence;
	•	Identify and enlist new fundraising sources regionally and nationally, including support for the endowment and financial aid;
	•	Provide statewide, regional, and national leadership in education, economic development and employer relations;
	•	Work to increase campus diversification of gender, race, and ethnicity.

That’s a tall order for the next president, but Rose-Hulman deserves no less as we step ahead to continue the vision established by Chauncey Rose in 1874 and carried on by Sam Hulbert into the 21st century.

If you have any questions, please contact me via e-mail at cwillian@aol.com, or write me at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 5500 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, Indiana 47803.