Southeast forum discusses presidential wishlist

During a Wednesday forum, community members cited vision, leadership, community involvement and longevity as some of the attributes they would like to see in the school's next president.

About 10 people attended the forum in the University Center Heritage Room, facilitated by representatives from Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search. The firm was hired to help look for a new president because Dr. Kenneth Dobbins plans to retire by June.

Laurie Wilder, executive vice president and managing director of Parker, said those who attended other sessions Wednesday also wanted to see a new president who will grow academic offerings, has fiscal acumen and is committed to the university.

"You're in a great place. The trajectory is outstanding," Wilder said, adding the university does not simply want to maintain. "You want to move the needle."

Wilder stressed the search firm is not selecting the next president of Southeast. It recruits, advises and facilitates, but won't make the decision on the next president. That's ultimately going to be up to the board of regents.

She said it is a multistage process. Final candidates will visit campus in mid- to late February. The firm seeks prospects who are happily employed but might be open to a change. Wilder said the firm conducts extensive background checks.

"Ultimately, it comes down to chemistry, style and fit," she said.

Steve Schneider, a member of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation board, said he would like someone interested in being part of the community, much in the same way Dobbins is. "The next president needs to be someone who can set us apart from the other institutions in Missouri ... and make students want to come to Southeast," he said.

Loretta Schneider, no relation, said it's important to have someone who understands the area's conservative character and issues such as student debt.

Tim Arbeiter, vice president of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, said he'd like to have someone who can challenge the status quo, empower the forces of the institution on many different fronts and be a collaborator.

Arbeiter said a candidate's "current portfolio" will predict what he or she can do.

Jay Wolz, director of Alumni Relations, said the new leader should be inspirational to students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Parker representatives will be in town today and Friday to meet with more interested parties, such as executive staff, deans, Dobbins, the search committee and board of regents.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

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