To aid in the national presidential search to replace Valdosta State University President Ronald M. Zaccari, who will retire June 30, a public forum was held to address questions and concerns. Appointed members of the Presidential Search and Screen Committee and the Special Regents’ Search Committee, which have been charged with assisting in the selection process, were also announced at the forum.

The forum, hosted by Dr. Susan Herbst, University System of Georgia executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer, and Dr. Cynthia R. Tori, chairperson of the new search committee, invited VSU faculty, staff, students and community members, to voice their feelings on the selection process and express the traits they would like to see in the new VSU president.

Along with competency, commitment to professional development and experience in dealing with growth, people expect the new president to be a diplomat, a fund raiser, and one who carries around an ample amount of joy, according to those in attendance. In other words, people feel that the new president has some big shoes to fill.

Other suggestions include the need for a president who focuses on diversity and equality, sees the need for security on campus, maintains a relationship with people in the city and most importantly, fits into the South Georgia culture.

Herbst and Tori assured everyone that their suggestions would be taken into consideration when making decisions before providing audience members with a timeline of the selection process.

“We anticipate a short, yet adequate selection process,” Herbst said.

“Everything will move quickly and we expect to select a candidate by July 5.”

Tori added that the committee will hold several open meetings during the initial stages of selection and as time progresses, candidates will make visits to the campus.

The search will begin with the Presidential Search and Screen Committee developing a position description, placing announcements in appropriate national media and conducting on-campus interviews. Parker Executive Search of Atlanta will assist the committee in the search and recruitment process.

“Not only do we want to select someone to take the place of Dr. Zaccari, who has served the University System since 2002, we want to select someone who will build on the strength VSU already has and take the university to the next level,” Tori said.

Members of the Presidential Search and Screen Committee include:

* Dr. Cynthia R. Tori, associate professor, marketing & economics — chair of search committee

* Dr. James T. Baxter, chair, chemistry

* Dr. Christine A. James, associate professor, philosophy & religious studies, faculty senator

* Dr. Philip L. Gunter, dean, College of Education