DePauw board gives update on presidential search

Preliminary planning is under way as the DePauw University Board of Trustees begins a search for the university’s next president, the board chairman wrote in a Friday letter to the DePauw community.

Kathy Patterson Vrabek wrote that board members have begun preparations for a process that will culminate in choosing a successor to Mark McCoy.

McCoy’s resignation, announced in May, will take effect at the end of the 2019-20 academic year.

“This summer, the board has begun preliminary planning in anticipation of involving the broader campus community at the start of fall term,” Vrabek wrote.

Calling the appointment of a president “one of the board’s most important responsibilities,” Vrabek announced that the search will be led by Justin Christian, a 1995 DePauw graduate who is the CEO and founder of BCForward, the largest consulting firm and minority business enterprise in Indianapolis.

“As chair of the presidential search committee, Justin will lead a team that represents all major constituencies of the university: the board, faculty, staff, alumni, administration, students and friends of DePauw (such as parents or community leaders),” Vrabek wrote. “Justin has asked the Faculty Governance Steering Committee to nominate faculty members for selection.”

Vrabek said Christian will share more information about the search timeline, search committee appointees, a national search firm and other details in mid- to late-August.

“At that time, a search website will launch and a dedicated email address for ongoing community questions and feedback will be provided,” Vrabek wrote.

McCoy has served as university president since 2016. His replacement will be the 21st president in school history.