Over three months after former Northwestern President Michael Schill resigned, the University announced the launch of its search for NU’s 18th president, Chair of the Board of Trustees Peter Barris wrote in a Wednesday message to the University community. 

The message stated that Vice Chair of the Board Steve Cahillane will chair the newly announced Presidential Search Committee, which includes faculty, students, staff, alumni and trustees.

The goal of the committee will be to recommend a presidential candidate for election by the Board by gathering input from University stakeholders, approving a formal presidential position profile and reviewing and interviewing candidates.

“I am confident this group will provide the perspectives necessary to identify a president who embodies Northwestern’s core values, champions the breadth and depth of our academic and research enterprise, and reflects the tradition of excellence that defines Northwestern,” Barris wrote in the message.

The search committee will be assisted by Spencer Stuart, a global leadership advisory firm that helps organizations recruit senior leadership and advises on leadership strategies.

Additionally, Barris invited the NU community to give input in the search for a new president. Community members can share their thoughts or nominate a candidate through an input survey located on a newly released web page dedicated to the search for NU’s next president.

The survey asks community members what they believe to be “distinctive” about the University, the opportunities and challenges the next NU president will face and the characteristics and skills sought in a new president.

After winter recess, Barris wrote that there will be more opportunities for “direct engagement,” including listening sessions with search committee members. The presidential search website stated that these sessions allow for community members to “share (their) perspective on what Northwestern needs in its next leader.”

In the message, Barris thanked interim President Henry Bienen for stepping into the role while the search for a new president takes place. In an Oct. 17 interview with The Daily, Bienen said he was looking to step down from the role by late spring. 

More details about the search will be available beginning in early January, according to Barris.

Email: [email protected]

X: @ninethkk

Related Stories:

— Michael Schill’s departure from Northwestern will leave a presidential vacancy. What’s next?

— Henry Bienen announced as interim president of Northwestern following Schill resignation

— University President Michael Schill resigns amid ‘painful’ challenges