The search committee seeking the University of Oregon’s next president has finalized its choice of a professional firm to assist in the effort.

After interviews with several leading firms which specialize in higher education, the search committee has selected Parker Executive Search, a national firm with extensive experience working with universities, Fortune 500 companies and not-for-profit organizations.

The firm has worked with the University of Oregon in the past, most recently in the search for a dean at the College of Education that resulted in the hiring of Randy Kamphaus this past summer. The firm also was involved in the selection of Rob Mullens, athletics director, in 2010.

“Our goal is clear: to find the most excellent leader. To do this we need to be creative and aggressive in seeking a range of great candidates,” search chair and trustee Connie Ballmer said. “We will be aided in this effort by experts at Parker Executive Search who can help us recruit and connect with accomplished leaders, both with those who may be seeking new possibilities and those who don’t yet know about what a wonderful opportunity the University of Oregon presents.”

The search committee and advisory group is currently holding forums to gather input about the qualities sought in qualified candidates for the position.

Two more opportunities are next week:

• A Eugene area community forum from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, in the Browsing Room in the Knight Library.
• A Portland area community forum from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, in the White Stag Building, 70 NW Couch St.

After input is gathered at the Eugene and Portland events, and via a web submission form, the position description will be developed and recruitment will begin in earnest.

—By Julie Brown, Public Affairs Communications