The UO Presidential Search Committee has completed an update of the position description that potential candidates will use to assess whether they are a good fit for the University of Oregon.

The search committee initially asked the campus and university supporters, in a series of public forums and an online survey, to describe the qualities that would make a good president. Those comments served as a guide in revising the position description.

The revised description calls for an “innovative leader” who “relentlessly pursues and promotes academic excellence.” The 17-page document also outlines key characteristics that reflect the dynamic culture at the UO, from a “collegial leadership style” to “an understanding of the complexities of overseeing an intercollegiate athletic program within a major research university.”

“We received great input from the campus community on what they were looking for in a leader,” said Connie Ballmer, a member of the UO Board of Trustees and chair of the search committee. “We are confident that this description accurately reflects the needs of the campus and articulates the qualities we are seeking in the right candidate.”

The listing doesn’t shy away from hard questions, clearly laying out the challenges that the next president will face, such as preserving and enhancing quality while maintaining affordability, and the disparities between the UO and its AAU peers in areas such as faculty salaries.

One important update to the position listing reflects the UO’s new independent Board of Trustees.  Previous presidential searches were conducted by the Oregon University System, which had hiring and employment authority over the UO’s president prior to July 1, 2014.

“It is a unique and exciting time to be at the UO.” Ballmer said, “There is a lot of buzz around the country about the great things going on here and we are excited to work to find the right leader to help shape the future of our institution.”