|
NEWS
| JAN. 28
Witt's End
Interim appointment will come at later
date
UT System Regents must first select
a committee
to search for a president.
By Amber
Tafoya
Contribution to The Shorthorn
UT System officials said Monday there is
no set date to appoint an interim to replace university President
Robert Witt, who will leave UTA in one month for the University
of Alabama’s presidency.
While there is no deadline to appoint a temporary president, UT
System officials have had a couple of weeks to think it over, and
Chancellor Mark Yudof will find one soon, said Monty Jones, public
affairs associate director.
“I’m reluctant to say when because that’s uncertain,”
he said.
For the moment, there is no indication of who the new president
will be, said Dana Dunn, UTA vice president for academic affairs.
Dr. Dunn said an interim needs to be established so the person can
work closely with Witt to prepare for the transition. She said she
cannot comment on who the interim president may be.
“The important thing to keep in mind is this was a surprise
for everyone — including system officials Dr. Witt reports
to,” Dunn said.
The interim will take over Witt’s duties until a new president
is found.
The first step for the presidential search is for the Board of Regents
to appoint a president search committee. The main goal in the selection
of committee members is to make sure everyone in the community is
represented, Jones said. Members will include faculty, students,
administration and Arlington community members. The committee, made
up of about 15 members, will come up with five to 10 candidates.
“Their jobs will be to screen candidates, evaluate applicants
and do interviews,” Jones said. From there, the committee will
make a recommendation to the Board of Regents.
Jones said presidential searches range from four months to a year.
Those interested can apply or have a chance of being nominated.
The search process will include advertising for the position, hiring
a search firm and conducting a series of interviews for candidates.
Kate Kettles, UTA’s governmental relations director said UT
System officials have a big job ahead of them.
“I’m confident the UTA System will pick someone good,”
she said. “They have some big shoes to fill.”
|
|
