Even though the presidential position description has been released, the search committee is still looking for input from community members.

“We’re going to be learning and seeking insight up until the day we hire a new leader,” said Sandra Harbrecht, chairwoman of the search committee.

Members of the committee met with faculty yesterday and Monday, following up on letters submitted to the committee addressing concerns with qualification priorities.

The faculty and search committee members discussed what qualities they thought presidential candidates needed to possess, from fundraising skills to academic strength to the ability to relate to faculty.

Search committee member Tim Chandler said there are a lot of similarities in what the groups want now, but the disagreements have created positive discussions. He said he hopes they find a candidate who finds the various points of view an exciting challenge.

The discussions are positive, Harbrecht said.

“The worst case scenario would be if no one cared,” she said, “and this is just the opposite.”

The description covers a range of qualifications, which led some faculty at the meeting to question the weight given to some qualities.

“We aren’t going to paint ourselves into a tight corner,” Harbrecht said.

“To say we’re leaning toward this or we’re leaning toward that – we can’t afford to do that.”

Contact administration reporter Rachel Abbey at [email protected].