Presidential Search

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce the formation of the Presidential Search Committee, which will lead the process of identifying the next president of our university.

The committee has been thoughtfully appointed to guide this important work and will be supported by input and engagement from the broader campus community.

The members of the Presidential Search Committee are:

• Chris Young, Chair
• Janet McGregor ’74, Trustee
• Mike Finley ’90, Trustee
• Sherry Holley ’88, Trustee
• Brandon Busteed, Trustee
• Marc Matthews ’80, Vice President (retired)
• Sarah Bray, Faculty Representative
• Ryan Benjamin, Staff Representative

As we begin this work, we do so at a meaningful moment in our institution’s history. As we approach our 250th anniversary, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on the legacy that has shaped us while also setting a clear and ambitious course for the future.

The selection of our next president will play a vital role in carrying that momentum forward — building on our strengths, honoring our traditions and positioning the university for continued impact in the years ahead.

We remain committed to a transparent and inclusive process, with opportunities for the campus community to provide input throughout. More information will be shared as the committee begins its work.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our institution and for the role you will play in shaping its future.

Sincerely,

Christopher H. Young
Chair, Board of Trustees

Dear Transylvania Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Presidential Search Committee, we are pleased to share an important milestone in the search for Transylvania University’s next president. Following a highly competitive selection process, we have engaged Russell Reynolds Associates as our executive search partner.

Russell Reynolds Associates is a globally recognized firm with extensive experience recruiting exceptional leaders for colleges, universities and mission‑driven organizations. We are confident that its expertise, combined with the engagement of our campus community, will help us identify a visionary leader to guide Transylvania into its next chapter.

The search is expected to take approximately six months. In late August to early September, Russell Reynolds Associates will lead a comprehensive listening and discovery phase that will include campus forums and a survey. These opportunities are critical to ensuring that the perspectives, priorities and aspirations of our community help define the leadership profile and inform the search process. We strongly encourage your participation.

Consistent with best practices for presidential searches, this process will be conducted with a high degree of confidentiality. At the same time, we remain deeply committed to meaningful and representative engagement. Designated groups of faculty, staff, students, alumni and trustees will meet with finalist candidates during the interview process. Participants will be asked to maintain confidentiality and will provide structured feedback to the Search Committee, ensuring that community perspectives are thoughtfully considered throughout our deliberations.

Transylvania’s future is bright, and this search represents a pivotal moment in the university’s history. We are grateful for your continued engagement and partnership as we undertake this important work together.

We will continue to share updates as the search progresses and key milestones are reached.

Sincerely,

Christopher H. Young
Chair, Board of Trustees

Dear Transylvania Community,

As the search for Transylvania’s 29th president moves forward, we invite you to participate in open campus forums Sept. 2-3 with our executive search partner, Russell Reynolds Associates.

These forums are an important part of the listening and discovery phase of the search. Russell Reynolds will be on campus to hear directly from our community about Transylvania’s strengths and opportunities, the priorities that should guide our next president, and the qualities and experience we should seek in our next leader.

Wednesday, Sept. 2

Staff Open Forum
9:30-10:15 a.m.
Carrick Theater

Faculty Open Forum
3:30-4:15 p.m.
Carrick Theater

Thursday, Sept. 3

Community Open Forum
12:30-1:15 p.m.
Carrick Theater

The Thursday forum is open to anyone who is unable to attend the staff or faculty sessions. Members of Transylvania’s alumni leadership will also be invited to participate.

We encourage you to attend and share your perspective. Feedback from these conversations will help inform the presidential leadership profile and guide the Presidential Search Committee as the process moves forward.

Thank you for your engagement in this important process and in shaping Transylvania’s future.

Sincerely,

Christopher H. Young
Chair, Board of Trustees

Dear Transylvania Community,

I would like to provide a brief update on the progress of the search for Transylvania University’s 29th president.

My thanks to everyone who has participated in the on-campus and virtual listening sessions over the summer and at the start of the fall term. We received valuable feedback and insight about what you are looking for in your next president that will inform the search committee as we move forward. As part of our discovery process, we would appreciate your participation in this anonymous 10-minute survey about your priorities for the next president. We would like your response by Friday, Sept. 18. Note that multiple-choice answers will appear in randomized order for each respondent to minimize bias.

Finally, I wanted to let you know about a change in the composition of the search committee. Professor of Spanish Jeremy Paden, who is also the chair of the Division of the Humanities, will be joining the committee. He is a thoughtful and respected member of the faculty who cares deeply about our students, the institution and the shared governance process. He will be an important voice in our deliberations going forward. Former Vice President Marc Mathews has regretfully stepped down from the committee due to the proposed interview schedule conflicting with prior professional and personal commitments.

My best wishes to everyone for a productive fall term.

Sincerely,

Chris Young
Chair, Transylvania University Board of Trustees