VALDOSTA, Ga. — To aid in the national presidential search to replace Valdosta State University President Ronald M. Zaccari, who will retire June 30, a public forum was held to address questions and concerns. Appointed members of the Presidential Search and Screen Committee and the Special Regents’ Search Committee, which have been charged with assisting in the selection process, were also announced at the forum.
The forum, hosted by Dr. Susan Herbst, University System of Georgia executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer, and Dr. Cynthia R. Tori, chairperson of the new search committee, invited VSU faculty, staff, students and community members, to voice their feelings on the selection process and express the traits they would like to see in the new VSU president.
Along with competency, commitment to professional development and experience in dealing with growth, people expect the new president to be a diplomat, a fund raiser, and one who carries around an ample amount of joy, according to those in attendance. In other words, people feel that the new president has some big shoes to fill.
Other suggestions include the need for a president who focuses on diversity and equality, sees the need for security on campus, maintains a relationship with people in the city and most importantly, fits into the South Georgia culture.
Herbst and Tori assured everyone that their suggestions would be taken into consideration when making decisions before providing audience members with a timeline of the selection process.
“We anticipate a short, yet adequate selection process,” Herbst said.
“Everything will move quickly and we expect to select a candidate by July 5.”
Tori added that the committee will hold several open meetings during the initial stages of selection and as time progresses, candidates will make visits to the campus.
The search will begin with the Presidential Search and Screen Committee developing a position description, placing announcements in appropriate national media and conducting on-campus interviews. Parker Executive Search of Atlanta will assist the committee in the search and recruitment process.
“Not only do we want to select someone to take the place of Dr. Zaccari, who has served the University System since 2002, we want to select someone who will build on the strength VSU already has and take the university to the next level,” Tori said.
Members of the Presidential Search and Screen Committee include:
* Dr. Cynthia R. Tori, associate professor, marketing & economics — chair of search committee
* Dr. James T. Baxter, chair, chemistry
* Dr. Christine A. James, associate professor, philosophy & religious studies, faculty senator
* Dr. Philip L. Gunter, dean, College of Education
* Dr. John Gaston, dean, College of Arts
* Ms. Verna Harvey, legal assistant, Legal Affairs
* Mr. Raymond Sable, director, Physical Plant & Facilities Planning
* Mr. Russell F. Mast, dean of students, Division of Student Affairs
* Mr. Jonathon Stroble, president, Student Government Association
* Ms. Katisha Mathis, student
* Mr. Wayne Rambo, alumni, VSU Alumni Association
* Mr. Tyson McLane, chair, VSU Foundation
The campus-based committee will forward the credentials of five unranked candidates to the Special Regents’ Search Committee, which is chaired by Regent Elridge W. McMillan. Regents Robert F. Hatcher, Doreen Stiles Poitevint, Benjamin J. Tarbutton III and Allan M. Vigil will serve as members of the Special Regents' Search Committee. This committee is responsible for recommending finalists to the Chancellor of the University System, who will then recommend a single candidate to the full Board of Regents.
For more information, contact Thressea Boyd, VSU, assistant to the president for Communication, at 229-333-5952.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Jim Black , Valdosta State University Vice President for Finance and Administration, talks during the public forum held by the VSU Presidential Search and Advisory Committee to answer questions regarding the search and selection process.
-
Marvin Ray speaks during the public forum held by the Valdosta State University Presidential Search and Advisory Committee Tuesday.
Discussion
VSU presidential search
Forum gives voice to citizens
- Local News
-
-
Lake Park: Council members resign
Immediately following the Citizens to be Heard portion of the regular Lake Park council meeting Tuesday night, council members Eric Schindler and Paul Mulkey tendered their resignations.
-
Valwood goes global
Valwood School has hosted several international guests for the past several weeks.
-
City cuts ribbon on new home
With a snip of some over-sized wooden scissors, the City of Valdosta took another step in eliminating substandard housing.
-
Berrien clinic director loses job
Speaking to The Valdosta Daily Times about the possible discontinuation of the Berrien Elementary School MED Clinic led to the program’s executive director losing her job Monday morning.
-
From the CIA to man about town
Meet Jack Pruden, former member of the Central Intelligence Agency.
-
Berrien school medical facility faces an uncertain future
A state-of-the-art medical facility that was introduced in Berrien County public schools in 2010 might be ending soon.
-
New TV listings section debuts in print edition
In Sunday editions of The Valdosta Daily Times, keep an eye out for the updated TV listings section.
-
Man shot in Valdosta; police car, ambulance collide
Response to a shooting Saturday afternoon led to a collision between a police vehicle and an ambulance.
-
Annual Father-Daughter Dance enters 16th year
Three-week-old Emmaline Taylor lay contentedly on dad Trey Taylor’s shoulder Friday night, completely oblivious to the sights and sounds of the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance.
Now in its 16th year, the popular annual event is sponsored by Valdosta’s First Presbyterian Church and held at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.
“We’ve been looking forward to this,” Trey Taylor said. “When we first got pregnant, (my wife Sheya and I) looked to see if she would be here in time for the Father-Daughter Dance.” -
VPD offers online citation payment
The Valdosta Police Department has implemented a new online service to assist traffic violators.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
