Presidential Search Committee Whittles Down Candidate List

Interviews of shortlisted candidates will begin in December.

During its Nov. 15 meeting, UConn’s presidential search committee reviewed the applications and nominations it has received and narrowed the list to a pool of about 10 candidates.

The search firm of Witt/Kieffer made roughly 600 different contacts nationwide, and the University also received more than 100 applications and nominations, according to Larry McHugh, chairman of the Board of Trustees, who is also chairing the search committee.

“Our goal from the outset was to create a broad and diverse pool of experienced candidates,” says McHugh. “We have done that. I’m very pleased with the candidates we’ve identified, as well as with the work that Witt/Kieffer is doing on our behalf.”

Candidates on the shortlist will be interviewed by the search committee’s smaller steering committee by early December.

“The bottom line is that we’re looking for an individual with real vision, very strong leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of higher education and all the constituent groups he or she will be working with,” says McHugh. “We want someone who has the talents and abilities to keep UConn on the excellent trajectory it has established.”

Once the steering committee conducts its initial interviews, a shorter list of finalists will be forwarded to the full committee for another round of interviews. The Board of Trustees will ultimately select the candidate.