Posted: Thursday, October 19, 2017

The nationwide search for the 24th president of the University of Evansville is under way.  The new president will replace Thomas A. Kazee, PhD, who announced in July that he would step down effective May 31, 2018.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Linda E. White, has announced the appointment of trustee Sally Rideout to lead the Presidential Search Committee. 

“I am honored to lead the recruitment efforts for the 24th president of the University of Evansville,” said Rideout. “It is a time of tremendous change in higher education and we look forward to finding a leader who will push UE toward an even stronger academic reputation.”

Additional members of the committee represent the University’s wide variety of constituencies including the Board of Trustees, faculty, alumni, students, and administrators.

The members of the Presidential Search Committee include:

Board of Trustees:
Sally Rideout, Chair
C. Edward Brown
Kevin R. Koch
Barbara J. Price
Steven W. Worthington

Life Trustee:
Rita P. Eykamp

Honorary Trustee:
Melvin Peterson

Faculty:
David Dwyer
Daniel J. Gahan
Mark Valenzuela

Alumni Association:
Al Baity

Student Body:
Jacob Lutz

University Administrator:
Wesley Milner

University Staff:
Billie Chandler

Chairman of the Board of Trustees:
Linda E. White

United Methodist:
M. Stephen Harkness
John C. Schroeder

Harlaxton College:
Ian Welsh

Staff Liaison:
Rebecca L. Simpson

“Our committee brings together a diverse group of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends dedicated to a very bright future at our University,” said Rideout. “We’re looking for someone who will further strengthen academic programming, enhance our meaningful and valuable student experience, and increase our presence in the local community in addition to expanding our worldwide footprint.”

Witt/Kieffer, a preeminent executive search firm serving the not-for-profit community – higher education, health care, cultural organizations, and community service institutions – nationwide, has been hired to assist with the search.  Dennis M. Barden, senior partner in the firm, will lead the effort with the assistance of Charlene Aguilar and senior associate Elizabeth K. Bohan. Witt/Kieffer conducts senior academic and administrative search engagements, including presidents, chancellors, vice presidents, deans, directors, and other leadership positions all across the country.  The Board of Trustees will have the responsibility for the final choice and appointment of the next president.

More information is available at online which will be updated regularly as the search process unfolds.

In July, UE president Thomas A. Kazee announced his plans to step down at the end of the 2017-18 academic year after an eight-year tenure at the institution. Since his inauguration in 2010, Kazee has led UE as it has developed new programs, enhanced and expanded physical facilities, and extended its reach as an international institution.