‘A lot of boxes to check’: FIU hears from many about search for next president
Some asked for a woman, to break the pattern of all-male leadership. Others suggested a Miami local, deeming essential a personal connection to South Florida. Yet others petitioned for a professional outside of academia, one who could innovate more than a traditional higher education administrator.
A wide variety of opinions arose during a Wednesday forum on who should be the next president of Florida International University. The largest state university in South Florida and the fourth largest in the U.S., with about 56,000 students, 10,000 employees and 270,000 graduates, embarked on a national search for its sixth president last week.
The next president will lead FIU at a crucial moment in which the university, celebrating its 50th year in 2022, fights to grow from an often-dismissed commuter school to a research institution with a nationwide reputation.
The university climbed from No. 95 last year to No. 78 this year in the U.S. News & World Report rankings — the biggest jump among Florida schools and the third-largest increase among state universities across the nation. And it’s intent on breaking into the top 50.
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“This is one of the hardest jobs in the country in my opinion. Being a university president in general is an extraordinarily difficult job,” said Dean Colson, the FIU board of trustees chair, who served as one of the forum panelists Wednesday. He mentioned how the job has few days off and high stress levels.
“You’re going to scare people,” quipped Roger Tovar, a fellow panelist sitting by Colson. Tovar, the vice chair of the board of trustees, chairs the presidential search committee.
The position’s compensation, still undetermined by the board of trustees, will likely fall in the half-a-million range. Mark Rosenberg, who abruptly resigned as president in late January under the cloud of a sexual harassment accusation, earned an annual salary of $502,578.63. Interim President Kenneth Jessell makes $503,000.
READ MORE: 5 Things To Know About Ken Jessell
On Tuesday and Wednesday, William Funk, founder and president of R. William Funk & Associates — the Texas-based search firm hired by FIU and tasked to deliver a large applicant pool, held 10 meetings with key stakeholders, such as the FIU Foundation Board of Directors and FIU Faculty Senate.
Funk opened one of those meetings Wednesday to the general community. About 15 people attended the event in person at the Graham Center ballroom on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus, FIU’s main campus on Tamiami Trail in West Miami-Dade.
“Thanks to all of you in attendance in person. I see you squeezed in and found a seat,” Funk joked to a large ballroom largely empty.
FIU spokeswoman Madeline Baró said about 200 people watched virtually. Baró also said about 160 additional people attended the other meetings this week, sharing feedback either via the online portal or face to face.
Funk invited the 15 members of the presidential search committee to join all of the gatherings. The committee will ultimately advance at least two candidates to the full board of trustees sometime in June; the board will select a finalist sometime in July. The president would then start in the fall, after confirmed by the Florida Board of Governors.
READ MORE: Who Are The 15 People on FIU’s Presidential Search Committee?
For the open forum Wednesday, Sofia Trelles, FIU’s ombudsman, read comments sent online and audience members also provided input live. Someone mentioned the need for a female president or a president of color.
“I would be disappointed if the search committee sends to the board of trustees five males,” Colson said, adding, however, that he will look for the best leader, regardless of gender or race.
An audience member raised concerns about the vulnerability of academic freedom for faculty across college campuses and the need for a president who will defend them. Another person emphasized the need for someone who appreciates diversity and can navigate the Hispanic circles in Miami.
Ultimately, Tovar said he doesn’t want FIU to limit itself; he wants to cast a wide net to attract as many applicants as possible.
“I hear what you’re saying,” Tovar told the public. “There’s a lot of boxes to check.”
This story was originally published April 13, 2022 at 5:11 PM.
