The following are my opinions and analysis.
The University of Arizona is a world-class higher education and research institution that enhances the quality of life for students and their families throughout the state.
It is also a nearly 140-year tradition of academic excellence and an asset to be preserved for future generations of Arizonans.
The Arizona State Board of Regents is committed to building on that successful track record and upholding the university's academic, cultural and collaborative traditions as part of the search for the university's 23rd president, a process that has been underway since President Robbins announced his plans to select his successor in April.
This is something you should be aware of.
ABOR has formed a Search Advisory Committee comprised of diverse campus, community and local representatives, and has already held nearly 20 hours of public hearings and town hall meetings to gather feedback from more than 4,200 students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.
Anyone else reading this…
The feedback we have received has been extremely constructive and makes us feel very optimistic about the future of our university. Community members have made it clear that they are looking for a leader with the academic, operational and financial acumen necessary to run an institution of UA's size and scope. Additionally, they are looking for a leader of high moral character and integrity who is deeply committed to our students, including first-generation and underrepresented populations.
Community feedback was directly incorporated into the Presidential Profile and Leadership Qualities released this week.
With an eye firmly on UA’s storied history and current challenges, we seek a visionary leader – a president who can create stability while building on the university’s many strengths.
We are looking for a leader who will embrace and be embraced by the University and its community – one who will respect UA’s land-grant obligations and celebrate its diversity, rich culture and location in the Sonoran Desert.
The next UA president should be committed to strengthening the university’s research activities while supporting high-quality teaching and learning for all students.
Finally, given the University’s position as an economic driver and Tucson’s largest employer, and UA’s looming financial difficulties, we seek a leader with a proven track record of success in creating financially sustainable budget models for large, complex academic institutions.
As you read this, members of the Hiring Advisory Committee are building the initial pool of candidates. Once the committee has completed its review, ABOR will invite top candidates for individual interviews with the Board of Directors.
We will move as quickly or slowly as necessary to find the right leader.
We will continue to be as transparent as possible, seeking input from UA’s passionate community, and working together to find a chancellor who can lead the University into a new era of discovery.
Cecilia Mata serves as chair of the University of Arizona Board of Regents, the governing body of Arizona State University. Mata is one of three trustees who serve on the University of Arizona Board of Regents’ Advisory Committee for the Selection of the University of Arizona President.