By Destiny Caster
In late September, CI announced a search for the next President of the University to replace previous President Erika D. Beck, who became the President of CSU Northridge in January 2021. Since former President Beck’s transition, Dr. Richard Yao has served as CI’s Interim President since January 2020. Before that, Interim President Yao acted as the Vice President of Student Affairs beginning in 2018.
The CI View reached out to the Chancellor’s Office and was then directed to the Senior Director of Public Affairs within the CSU system, Michael Uhlenkamp, to gather more information about the search for a new president. When asked who will be making decisions regarding the search for the new president, Uhlenkamp answered, “Two groups will work together to narrow the field of candidates down to the finalists. Then the entire board of trustees will appoint a new president from that pool of finalists.”
The role of a president is crucial for not only the success of the university, but also for the success of the students, the community, the staff and other stakeholders. It is essential to choose the best candidate who will uphold CI’s mission and beliefs. The search for a new president will be led by the Chancellor’s Office, with assistance from two committees: the Trustees Committee, comprised of members of the CSU Board of Trustees, and the Advisory Committee, which is composed predominantly of members of the CI campus community. The Trustees Committee adopts regulations and policies governing the entire CSU system, and the CSU Board committees have authority over educational policy, finance and campus planning and facilities.
The Chancellor’s Office, along with the two committees, are tasked with selecting a President whose qualities align with CI’s mission statement posted on their website, which is “placing students at the center of the educational experience” and “providing undergraduate and graduate education that facilitates learning within and across disciplines through integrative approaches, emphasizes experiential and service learning, and graduates students with multicultural and international perspectives.”
According to Uhlenkamp, candidates will come from anywhere across the nation and from a multitude of backgrounds to ensure the best possible candidate to represent CI is appointed. Potential candidates may be current presidents of other universities or rising leaders from other organizations and institutions.
An important consideration during this process is if student opinions will be considered. Two students are on the advisory board that assists with the selection process. Additionally, an open forum was held on Oct. 12 where students and other interested parties were able to speak on their opinions regarding what they hope to see from potential candidates.
Following the forum, a survey was sent out to all student emails from the Trustees’ Search Committee. The email read, “The CSU Trustees’ Search Committee also invites you to submit feedback regarding the professional qualifications, experiences and personal attributes you think the next President of CSU Channel Islands must possess to be successful.” To provide feedback, click on the link provided in the email. The survey will be available through Oct. 21.
As CI searches for its next president, the Chancellor’s Office, along with the CSU Board of Trustees and the Advisory Committee are striving to find a candidate who upholds CI’s mission statement, including valuing student achievement and upholding CI’s belief in diversity and equity.
The CI View will continue to provide updates as this process continues.
Please see the CSU system’s press release here with the roster of both committees and additional details about the search for the new president:
