Firm selected for SMC President search
Anneliese Woolford
Saint Mary's Editor
Saint Mary's Board of Trustees has enlisted the help of Korn/Ferry International to conduct its search for a successor to standing President Marilou Eldred. Eldred announced her intent to retire from the position March 5, but agreed to stay until a successor is named.
Korn/Ferry International was hired by the College based on its notability and experience. According to Colleen Ryan, a Saint Mary's trustee and chair of the presidential search committee, the firm demonstrates an understanding of the College's needs and holds an impressive record of success in finding presidents for colleges and universities.
Based out of offices in 40 countries, Korn/Ferry International is currently the world's leading executive search firm, with consultants having placed over 200 presidents and chancellors of major colleges and universities throughout the world.
The firm will work together with the College's recently formed presidential search committee to oversee the process used to attract prospective candidates for Eldred's position. The presidential search committee, composed of members from both the Saint Mary's and South Bend community, was approved April 25 by the Board of Trustees.
"This is an important transition in the life of any institution," said Nancy Cook, managing director of Korn/Ferry International's Philadelphia office in a July 7 press release. "At Saint Mary's, the next president will be in a position to build upon the momentum and successes begun under the leadership of President Eldred."
Cook, who specializes in the recruitment of senior executives for universities, health systems and other non-profit entities, will lead the Saint Mary's search until a president-elect is named.
The College's Board of Trustees retains its original goal to name a president-elect this December.
All News Stories for Friday, July 11, 2003
