Dear Students, Employees, and Friends of Wilmington College,
On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, I am pleased share the following update on the College’s search for its next president.
Presidential Search Applicant Pool
On Monday, Jan. 22 the Search Profile and application instructions were published to major higher education job sites, including HigherEdJobs, Inside Higher Ed, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and DiverseEducation. Additionally, these materials were shared with major Quaker outlets, including the Friends Association for Higher Education and the Friends Journal. The application period closed on Monday, Feb. 5.
This national search yielded 50 applications, including several international applicants. These applicants reflect a diverse range of backgrounds, educational profiles, and professional experiences both within higher education and the private sector. Multiple applicants identify as Quaker and several have prior experience at Quaker institutions of higher education, whether as students, faculty, or administrators.
The quality of application materials, including Cover Letters, Resumes/C.V.’s, and Professional References reveal an applicant pool with a commitment to celebrating the College’s Quaker Values, an appreciation for the College’s strategic direction, the position’s unique requirements, and an eagerness to join the Wilmington College community.
Presidential Search Methodology
The Search Committee, representing students, faculty, administration, staff, the Wilmington Yearly Meeting, and the Board of Trustees, conducted comprehensive, rolling reviews of every applicant’s materials. During their reviews Members of the Search Committee remained mindful of both the Presidential Goals and Objectives as well as the Desired Presidential Attributes found in the Search Profile.
In addition to conducting their own reviews, Members of the Search Committee met twice during the application period, on Thursday, Feb. 1 and Wednesday, Feb. 7. At these meetings Members discussed their impressions of each applicant and deliberated each applicant’s ability to be successful as Wilmington College’s next president.
Presidential Search – Next Steps
These two meetings, conducted according to Quaker Practice, allowed the Committee to discern a list of four applicants whom it has invited to participate in Zoom interviews with the Committee during the week of Feb. 12.
Following those Zoom interviews, the Committee plans to identify a select group of finalists and anticipates inviting them to campus during the week of Feb. 19. These visits will allow finalists to engage in conversation with the College’s students and employees, the Wilmington Yearly Meeting, and the Board of Trustees. Finalists’ names and materials will be published in advance of those visits along with each visit’s schedule of events. The Search Committee will provide community members with an opportunity to submit electronic feedback following each finalist’s visit.
The Search Committee anticipates submitting its recommendations to the College’s Board of Trustees, according to the Code of Regulations, by Tuesday, Feb. 27.
The Board of Trustees anticipates selecting a preferred candidate and extending an offer during its meeting on Friday, Mar. 1, with an announcement of the College’s next president following shortly thereafter.
On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee and with gratitude for all you do for Wilmington College.
Sincerely,
Brent Bill, Trustee
Clerk, Presidential Search Committee