Presidential search update – August 17, 2017

Presidential Search Committee chair Wesley Elingburg P'11 provides details on the status of Elon's search for the university's ninth president. 

Dear members of the Elon community,

As we prepare for the opening of the 2017-18 academic year, I want to provide you with an update on the search for Elon’s ninth president. The Presidential Search Committee has worked diligently this summer. After receiving interest in the position from a large number of impressive candidates, the committee has conducted interviews with a group of outstanding individuals. They offer exceptional credentials and experiences and possess the personal qualities and character our community identified in the survey about Elon’s new president.

Candidates have been universal in their admiration of Elon University and have described the Elon presidency as the premier leadership opportunity available. In particular, candidates are excited about Elon’s strong national position, trajectory for a bright future, teacher-scholar-mentor model, and student-centered mission.

I also want to let you know that a Presidential Transition Committee chaired by trustee Ed Doherty P’07 has been formed to oversee preparation for the new president and ensure a seamless leadership transition. A subcommittee chaired by trustee Bill Herbert ’68 will oversee recognition events in coming months for President and Mrs. Lambert, and a subcommittee chaired by trustee Ed Moriarty P’15 will plan inauguration ceremonies for the new president. Many members of the Elon community, including trustees, students faculty, staff, alumni, and parents will be asked to participate in the planning and implementation of these efforts.

Based on our success so far in the search, we remain confident in meeting our original goal of recommending a top candidate to the Board of Trustees this fall. Trustee, faculty, staff, and student members of the search committee are working hard and are highly focused on evaluating candidates. We are aware of our tremendous responsibility to the entire university community and are being thoughtful, thorough, and careful in our deliberations.

Sincerely,
Wesley Elingburg P’11
Elon University Trustee
Chair, Presidential Search Committee