DPU begins presidential search

Saturday, June 23, 2007

A committee of 17 individuals is beginning the process of selecting DePauw University's 19th president.

Chair Sarah Reese Wallace, a member of DePauw's Board of Trustees, will be joined by nine other trustees, four faculty members, two students and one administrator on the search committee.

Robert G. Bottoms, who has served as DePauw's president since 1986, announced in April that he will be stepping down from the post and becoming Chancellor of the University following the 2007-08 academic year.

A Web site is now available to keep members of the DePauw community apprised of the search process.

"I believe this important undertaking is an exciting opportunity for all members of the DePauw community to join together to build on the strengths and momentum Dr. Bottoms has achieved during his tenure," writes James B. Stewart, chair of the board of trustees, in an open letter posted at the site. "We hope you will use this site to share your views as the search progresses and to keep abreast of developments. Whatever the basis for your interest in the future of DePauw -- alumni, students, parents, faculty, donors, Greencastle residents, and friends of the University -- we welcome your participation and value your contributions. The choice of a new president is possibly the most important function delegated to the Board of Trustees, and we will benefit from your wisdom, experience and advice."

The committee has selected Nancy Mistretta of Russell Reynolds Associates, a global search firm headquartered in New York, to assist with the process of selecting DePauw's next leader. Nominations and inquiries for the presidential position may be made through Sept. 4.

The web site will be updated on a regular basis, Stewart promises. "We hope to be as open and candid as possible consistent with the need to maintain the strict confidentiality which is inherent in any search."

The board chair adds, "DePauw University comes into this search from a position of strength, due in large part to President Bottoms' dynamic and capable leadership during the past 21 years. I see this as a great opportunity for the DePauw community to join together and build on the momentum already underway. For the future we will need another leader possessed of great energy and vision. Your task is to find that person. I am confident that you will accomplish your mission."

A link to the website can be found on the DePauw University site at www.depauw.edu.

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