Search committee approves qualifications for next UM system president

A committee leading the search for a new president of the University of Missouri system nagged by racial unrest says candidates must have “a deft command” of communications and public relations.

The committee approved a list of qualifications for the successor to Tim Wolfe during a meeting Thursday in Rolla of the system’s governing board of curators.

Wolfe resigned in November along with the Columbia campus’ chancellor amid protests spurred by what activists said was administrators’ indifference to racial issues on campus.

The 12-point list of qualifications approved Thursday also requires candidates for the system’s presidency to have an acumen to handle political and business relationships, as well as the business judgment to run a large organization.

MU officials say the following qualifications were assimilated through a statewide effort to engage various constituencies and stakeholders in a series of dialogues and listening sessions related to the search:

Fluency in, and a passion and respect for, the culture of public higher education and the System’s unique mission; An abiding interest in the development and success of students, faculty, and staff, with sincere respect and honor for their contributions; A fundamental commitment to the importance of research and the pursuit of academic excellence; The acumen necessary to cultivate key political, civic and business relationships essential to leading a public university system; demonstrated success in securing resources and support from public sector agencies; A deft command of communications and public relations that enables the broad dissemination of the System’s vision to the broader communities it serves; A multi-culturally competent individual with a demonstrated awareness and sensitivity for all people and who will foster and create a supportive climate and internal systems to evidence the same; Ability to create an enduring social compact with the citizens of the state that generates a deeper understanding of, and commitment to, the critical importance of University of Missouri System to the economic viability and success of all Missourians; A tireless advocate and relationship builder, attentive to many highly varied constituents as well as the ability to appreciate institutional memory while moving the institution forward; The ability to communicate effectively across numerous audiences, with a demonstrated capacity to listen actively, engage constructively, and motivate others to action through a compelling vision he or she can articulate broadly; A strong executive leadership record in a complex organization, with a demonstrated ability to develop and drive strategy, and appropriately steward resources to ensure education remains affordable; Demonstrated business judgement to foster continuous performance improvement and accountability, and to guide the operational effectiveness and organizational efficiencies within an organization; and, The experience and talent to assemble and empower an exceptional leadership team and to work with a committed Board of Curators.

You can read more about how and why the qualifications were approved here.