FRANKFORT– Kentucky State University has selected the search firm, Academic Search, to assist in finding a permanent president to lead the university.
Drs. Mack Stewart and Wanda Bigham will serve as the primary consultants to the search committee in conducting the search. Stewart recently retired from the position of special assistant to the president for diversity and vice provost at The Ohio State University, following a lengthy career in higher education, including a stint at Kentucky State University.
Bigham joined Academic Search in 2011 and has assisted public and private colleges and universities with more than 25 national searches for presidents, vice presidents, and deans.
“We’re excited to have a partner, like Academic Search, on board as we begin our search for our next leader,” said E.M. Lysonge, vice president and general counsel at Louisville-based CafePress Inc., who is heading the 10-member search committee. “We are confident that they will help us find a visionary leader who has the experience, talent, and leadership to boldly take KSU forward.”
Since 1976, Academic Search has completed more than 760 presidential searches. Here are a few facts about the firm:
- In the past five years, at least 55% of all searches conducted by Academic Search have resulted in a female or minority appointee.
- 87% of all presidential appointees remain in office after five years
The KSU Board of Regents expects to select a new president in the Spring of 2017.
