Behind the scenes of the executive office

- Jamie Christianson

Vying to take the reigns of Metropolitan State presidency isn't exactly an easy task. One must possess the credentials, knowledge and skills best suited for an institution recognized for its rich diversity, high-quality learning environment and leading reputation. To put it simple, it's like professional boot camp for aspiring Metropolitan State presidents. And don't forget that President Bradshaw had some pretty immense shoes to fill.

As opposed to working in a typical cubicle-infested milieu (no offense to the working student population, as this warrants 80% of it), the process to be selected as just a candidate harbors more work than the application-resume-interview-callback system.

"There's a typical process for the candidates to get selected'we look to see if this person has the experience of being a college dean, a vice president and/or provost of academic affairs and lastly, the experience of being a college president,-- said YeeLeng Hang, director of Student Life activities. "This person must also have experience in higher education, fundraising and knowledge of budget considerations. Above all," Hang added, "they have to have a doctorate." This criterion is in addition to the presidential criteria posted on Metropolitan State's Presidential Search Web site. Not only must one have the materialistic qualifications for backup, but must also play and know the part of chief operator.

Of the qualifications listed: "evidence of strong commitment to and support of academic excellence; commitment to open communication and consensus-building; ability to advocate effectively with public and private entities; evidence of high personal and professional integrity; and strong leadership in a rapidly changing environment."

And lastly, but certainly not least, fulfilling Bradshaw's final request: finding the time to commit to courses, scheduling, registration and admissions. "The resources are not where they need to be. If we're going to continue to grow, we need to be able to afford to continue to," said Bradshaw, last December after his resignation.

The schedule for appointed candidates is a meticulous one, yet effectual, nonetheless. According to Hang, candidates must endure a series of procedures conducted by the Office of the Chancellor staff, in part with the search advisory committee. The search advisory committee is encompassed of faculty members, university community members, staff, students and the chair." Students were nominated by members of student senate to participate as part of the search committee.

Preliminary screenings are imperative for soon-to-be-candidates, as the search advisory committee evaluates the credentials and specifications of the position and looks to see that the resume qualifications are parallel. After deliberation, the committee chooses from an assortment of semi-finalists.

Shortly thereafter, the semi-finalist screening takes place, which involves reference checks, assurance of confidentiality and off-site screening procedures. After agreeing to publicly participate in on-campus interviews, the committee then chooses and invites between three and five candidates to proceed to do so. This segment is where Metropolitan State community and student involvement transpires.

The search advisory committee prepares interview questions and evaluates procedures for attendees of the on-campus interviews. Members of the university community and any Metropolitan State student may complete these evaluations and submit to the chair of the search advisory committee. Of this year's turnout, "The students as well as the student members of the search committee were insightful, thoughtful and forthcoming," said Hang.

Evaluations are put into consideration, the committee puts their heads together, and shortly after, finalist interviews (always at least three) are taken for consideration. And just one or two people do not administrate these interviews; try a series: the chancellor, one to three Board of Trustees members, vice-chancellors and staff members from the Office of the Chancellor.

The decision of the future Metropolitan State president lies in the hands of the Chancellor. Recommendations from the search advisory committee and the results from the finalist interviews generate the final decision. The Chancellor recommends a presidential finalist to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees.

The induction for Metropolitan State's new president is presumed to occur in late April or early May, as the beginning of the presidential term is anticipated for the beginning of July. With that said, the induction is just week away. As of March 24, three candidates await. Considering the reputations of the current nominees, it looks like the future of our school will be guaranteed a promising one.