Presidential Search Board pleased with applications

By KC Crouse · The Mainstream
Published January 25, 2011

Since November, UCC has been conducting a nationwide search to replace our recently retired president of six years, Blaine Nisson.

The search has netted a “pool of outstanding candidates,” according to a memorandum sent out Jan.14 by the Board of Trustees Chairperson, Betty Tamm.“We can expect a new president to be named in early March and hope that he/she will be able to join us soon after that,” Tamm says.

Enlisting the help of Pamila Fisher, a search consultant and Lee Salter, executive assistant to the president and board, UCC has set up a search committee of 18 people from the college, the community and the Board of Trustees to help select the next UCC President.

Tamm explained what she has enjoyed most about this search process so far, “The incredible willingness people have exhibited to help in the search.  We have a large and dedicated search committee with many more people who were willing to give their time for the benefit of UCC.”

Feb. 1 is the deadline for applications to be submitted. During the first week in February, the search committee will individually review and rate each applicant and then meet with Fischer to narrow down the applicants for a first level interview.

A second committee meeting will be held Feb. 10 to select six to eight applicants for the second level of interviewing and at that time the committee will also review interview questions.

A search committee meeting will be conducted Feb. 22 and 23 to narrow the pool to three to four applicants.  The board will receive an unranked list of the finalists which will also be made public at this time.

Monday, Feb. 28 the three or four applicants will participate in public forums as well as take campus tours. The following day, March 1, the board of trustees will conduct interviews.

In early March, the board will select and announce the new president who could begin as early as April.