The Leadership Succession Initiative Advisory Group recently invited members of the broader Guilford College community to complete a survey about the most important qualities for a new president.

824 community members completed the survey, which is about 33 percent more than the number of people responding to a similar survey during the last search for a permanent president. Participants reflected the rich breadth of our constituencies:

• Alumni: 60 percent
• Donors: 19 percent
• Students: 13 percent
• Parents: 12 percent
• Staff: 9 percent
• Faculty: 8 percent

Survey results were largely in harmony with themes reflected in a similar survey completed by members of the Advisory Group and community comments in two listening sessions. In this most recent survey, respondents most frequently identified financial acumen, commitment to maintaining the core mission of the college, personal integrity,
fundraising, and appreciation for an independent liberal arts college as the most important traits for Guilford’s next president. 
 
Results from the surveys, comments from the listening sessions and input from members of the Advisory Group will inform the creation of a position profile used to recruit presidential candidates. The position profile is targeted to be posted later this month. 

The Advisory Group will review all the applications received and share their impressions with the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will make recommendations to the Board of Trustees, which will have the final decision on choosing a candidate and extending an offer.

Nominations for presidential candidates may be submitted by email to succession@guilford.edu.

Sincerely,

David Hopkins ’91
Harrison Hickman ’75
Leadership Succession Initiative Co-Chairs