Dear Members of the USF Community,
As you know, Fr. Paul Fitzgerald has decided to step down as our 28th president at the end of this calendar year. In the weeks ahead, we look forward to celebrating his decade of accomplishments, and I know you join me in gratitude for all he has done for the USF community.
The USF Board of Trustees has begun the process of identifying — with the community’s considerable assistance — Fr. Fitzgerald’s successor. I am writing with an update on where we are today.
One of the most important responsibilities of a university’s board of trustees is hiring a president. Accordingly, the Presidential Search Committee (PSC) (see membership list below), which met for the first time yesterday, is composed of current and former trustees, all of whom are deeply committed to this task. They will recommend a finalist to the board for its consideration.
The process will be a transparent and inclusive one, with the entire USF community invited to provide input. The PSC is also charged with informing our community, including students, faculty, librarians, staff, alumni, and friends of USF, on the procedures and progress in this effort. You will be hearing from them via email soon and periodically throughout the search process. They will also post regular updates on a dedicated website that will be launched shortly.
The PSC is approaching this critical work with a commitment to seeking constructive collaboration and discernment from the community. A Search Advisory Committee (SAC) is in formation. Its membership will play a vital role in the search process, and the PSC will actively seek out their insights. Representatives from across the community will serve on the SAC and will be responsible for facilitating listening sessions, synthesizing feedback from all USF constituents, and communicating this feedback to the PSC.
In addition to the SAC, all members of the community will be invited to the listening sessions. You will have opportunities to submit input regarding USF’s future and the qualities you believe are necessary in the university’s next leader.
So, please stay tuned for more important information from the Presidential Search Committee; the launch of the search website; and news about the Search Advisory Committee, including its membership, upcoming listening sessions, and other forums for discussion.
I look forward to hearing from you and working together with you in service of USF’s future.
Sincerely,
Jack Boland
USF Class of 1978
Chair, USF Board of Trustees
Presidential Search Committee
Co-Chairs:
- John F. Nicolai
- Jeff Silk
Membership:
- Joseph Allanson
- Jack Boland
- Mary M. Del Santo
- Rev. Michael Engh, S.J.
- Judy C. Miner
- Lindbergh Porter
- Karen Rose
- Nora Wu
Advisor to PSC:
- Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J.
- President, Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities