{"id":3817,"date":"2026-09-14T11:25:16","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T15:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/?page_id=3817"},"modified":"2026-09-14T11:56:02","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T15:56:02","slug":"presidential-search","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/office-of-the-president\/presidential-search\/","title":{"rendered":"Presidential Search"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-transylvania-begins-search-for-its-29th-president\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transylvania Begins Search for Its 29th President<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transylvania University is conducting a national search for its 29th president, who will lead the university into its next chapter and toward its 250th anniversary in 2030.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Board of Trustees has formed a Presidential Search Committee to lead the process. The committee will engage the broader Transylvania community as the university seeks a leader who can build on its strengths, honor its traditions and position Transylvania for continued impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This page will serve as the primary source of information and updates on the Transylvania University presidential search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-presidential-search-committee\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Presidential Search Committee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Board of Trustees appointed the Presidential Search Committee to lead the process of identifying Transylvania University\u2019s 29th president.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The committee includes trustees and representatives of university leadership and faculty:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-409224f0 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Christopher H. Young, chair<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Board of Trustees<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Janet McGregor \u201974<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Trustee<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mike Finley \u201990<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Trustee<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sherry Holley \u201988<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Trustee<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Brandon Busteed<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Trustee<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sarah Bray<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Faculty representative<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Jeremy Paden<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>Faculty representative<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Ryan Benjamin<\/strong><br>Staff representative<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The committee will work with the university\u2019s executive search partner, Russell Reynolds Associates, throughout the presidential search. RRA is a global leadership advisory firm with extensive experience recruiting leaders for colleges, universities and mission-driven organizations. The firm will work closely with the Presidential Search Committee to identify and recruit candidates and support Transylvania throughout the search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-community-engagement\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Community Engagement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Transylvania community\u2019s input will help guide the search for the university\u2019s next president.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In September 2026, Russell Reynolds Associates will lead a listening process that includes campus forums and a community survey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Faculty, staff, students, alumni and other members of the Transylvania community will be invited to share their perspectives on the university\u2019s priorities and the qualities needed in its next president.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-a-thoughtful-and-confidential-search-process\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Thoughtful and Confidential Search Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Transylvania University presidential search will be conducted with a high degree of confidentiality to protect candidates and help the university attract a strong and diverse pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, Transylvania is committed to meaningful and representative community engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As candidates advance to the finalist stage, designated groups of faculty, staff, students, alumni and trustees will have opportunities to meet with finalists. Participants will be asked to maintain confidentiality and provide structured feedback to the Presidential Search Committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This approach will allow community perspectives to be thoughtfully considered while maintaining the confidentiality necessary for the presidential search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-presidential-search-process\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Presidential Search Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The search for Transylvania University\u2019s 29th president is expected to take approximately six months and will include several phases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol id=\"searchSteps\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Listening and Discovery<\/strong><br>Russell Reynolds Associates will engage members of the Transylvania community through campus forums, a survey and other conversations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Leadership Profile<\/strong><br>Feedback from the university community will help shape a presidential leadership profile outlining Transylvania\u2019s priorities and opportunities and the qualities and experience sought in the university\u2019s next president.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Candidate Recruitment and Evaluation<\/strong><br>Russell Reynolds Associates will conduct a national search and recruit candidates for consideration by the Presidential Search Committee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Finalist Interviews<\/strong><br>Designated representatives of faculty, staff, students, alumni and trustees will meet with finalist candidates and provide structured feedback to the Presidential Search Committee.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Selection<\/strong><br>Following the search process, the Board of Trustees will select Transylvania University\u2019s 29th president.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<style data-wp-block-html=\"css\">\n#searchSteps li::marker {\n  font-weight: bold;\n}\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-a-pivotal-moment-for-transylvania\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Pivotal Moment for Transylvania<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The search for Transylvania\u2019s next president comes at a meaningful moment in the university\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Transylvania approaches its 250th anniversary in 2030, the university has an opportunity to reflect on the legacy that has shaped it while setting a clear and ambitious course for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transylvania\u2019s next president will play a vital role in carrying that momentum forward \u2014 building on the university\u2019s strengths, honoring its traditions and positioning Transylvania for continued impact in the years ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-presidential-search-updates\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Presidential Search Updates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Updates will be shared as the presidential search progresses and key milestones are reached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-may-2026-presidential-search-committee-formed\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">May 2026: Presidential Search Committee Formed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Board of Trustees announced the formation of the Presidential Search Committee to lead the search for Transylvania University\u2019s 29th president.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-1&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-1\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">May 2026 Campus Message<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-1\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-1-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dear Members of the Campus Community,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The committee has been thoughtfully appointed to guide this important work and will be supported by input and engagement from the broader campus community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The members of the Presidential Search Committee are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chris Young, Chair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Janet McGregor \u201974, Trustee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mike Finley \u201990, Trustee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sherry Holley \u201988, Trustee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brandon Busteed, Trustee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marc Matthews \u201980, Vice President (retired)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sarah Bray, Faculty Representative<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ryan Benjamin, Staff Representative<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As we begin this work, we do so at a meaningful moment in our institution\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The selection of our next president will play a vital role in carrying that momentum forward \u2014 building on our strengths, honoring our traditions and positioning the university for continued impact in the years ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you for your continued dedication to our institution and for the role you will play in shaping its future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sincerely,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"389\" fetchpriority=\"low\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3824\" style=\"width:160px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young.png 512w, https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young-350x266.png 350w, https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young-300x228.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Christopher H. Young<br>Chair, Board of Trustees<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-july-2026-russell-reynolds-associates-selected\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>July 2026: Russell Reynolds Associates Selected<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following a competitive selection process, Transylvania selected Russell Reynolds Associates as its executive search partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-2&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-2\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">July 2026 Campus Message<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-2\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-2-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dear Transylvania Community,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Presidential&nbsp;Search&nbsp;Committee, we are pleased to share an important milestone in the&nbsp;search&nbsp;for Transylvania University\u2019s next president. Following a highly competitive selection process, we have engaged Russell Reynolds Associates as our executive&nbsp;search&nbsp;partner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Russell Reynolds Associates is a globally recognized firm with extensive experience recruiting exceptional leaders for colleges, universities and mission\u2011driven 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;search&nbsp;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&nbsp;search&nbsp;process. We strongly encourage your participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consistent with best practices for presidential&nbsp;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&nbsp;Search&nbsp;Committee, ensuring that community perspectives are thoughtfully considered throughout our deliberations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Transylvania\u2019s future is bright, and this&nbsp;search&nbsp;represents a pivotal moment in the university\u2019s history. We are grateful for your continued engagement and partnership as we undertake this important work together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We will continue to share updates as the&nbsp;search&nbsp;progresses and key milestones are reached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sincerely,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"389\" fetchpriority=\"low\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3824\" style=\"width:160px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young.png 512w, https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young-350x266.png 350w, https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young-300x228.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Christopher H. Young<br>Chair, Board of Trustees<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-late-august-early-september-2026-listening-and-discovery\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Late August-Early September 2026: Listening and Discovery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Russell Reynolds Associates will lead campus forums and a community survey to gather perspectives from across the Transylvania community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;autoclose&quot;: false, &quot;accordionItems&quot;: [] }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/accordion\" role=\"group\" class=\"wp-block-accordion is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-is-layout-flow\">\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-3&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-3\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">August 2026 Campus Message<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-3\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-3-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dear Transylvania Community,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the search for Transylvania\u2019s 29th president moves forward, we invite you to participate in open campus forums Sept. 2-3 with our executive search partner, Russell Reynolds Associates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s strengths and opportunities, the priorities that should guide our next president, and the qualities and experience we should seek in our next leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Wednesday, Sept. 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Staff Open Forum<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>9:30-10:15 a.m.<br>Carrick Theater<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Faculty Open Forum<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>3:30-4:15 p.m.<br>Carrick Theater<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thursday, Sept. 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Community Open Forum<\/strong><strong><br><\/strong>12:30-1:15 p.m.<br>Carrick Theater<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Thursday forum is open to anyone who is unable to attend the staff or faculty sessions. Members of Transylvania\u2019s alumni leadership will also be invited to participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you for your engagement in this important process and in shaping Transylvania\u2019s future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sincerely,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"389\" fetchpriority=\"low\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3824\" style=\"width:160px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young.png 512w, https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young-350x266.png 350w, https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young-300x228.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Christopher H. Young<br>Chair, Board of Trustees<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-class--is-open=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;id&quot;: &quot;accordion-item-4&quot;, &quot;openByDefault&quot;: false }\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.initAccordionItems\" data-wp-on-window--hashchange=\"callbacks.hashChange\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-item is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-item-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading\"><button aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggle\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleKeyDown\" id=\"accordion-item-4\" type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle\"><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-title\">September 2026 Campus Message<\/span><span class=\"wp-block-accordion-heading__toggle-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">+<\/span><\/button><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div inert aria-labelledby=\"accordion-item-4\" data-wp-bind--inert=\"!state.isOpen\" id=\"accordion-item-4-panel\" role=\"region\" class=\"wp-block-accordion-panel is-layout-flow wp-block-accordion-panel-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dear Transylvania Community,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I would like to provide a brief update on the progress of the search for Transylvania University\u2019s 29th president.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&nbsp;discovery&nbsp;process, we would appreciate your participation in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/www.surveymonkey.com\/r\/TransyPresidentialSearch__;!!KS4B30FN5nQiOoE!XeuyE6QBFxlsN8PGZ-oE2OjQz3wHdIjaCH6HFUdzBaM9wBR-HDVnMUc-Hcbv1sMdldpRkbZeclcAhbh74kl-MiBpqg$\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this anonymous 10-minute survey<\/a>&nbsp;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">My best wishes to everyone for a productive fall term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sincerely,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"389\" fetchpriority=\"low\" src=\"https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3824\" style=\"width:160px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young.png 512w, https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young-350x266.png 350w, https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/signature_chris-young-300x228.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chris Young<br>Chair, Transylvania University Board of Trustees<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Future Update: Leadership Profile Published<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Future Update: Finalists Selected<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Future Update: New President Named<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Transylvania Begins Search for Its 29th President Transylvania University is conducting a national search for its 29th president, who will lead the university into its next chapter and toward its 250th anniversary in 2030. The Board of Trustees has formed a Presidential Search Committee to lead the process. The committee will engage the broader Transylvania community as the university seeks a leader who can build<\/p>\n<p class=\"continueLink\"><a class=\"btn btn-info\" href=\"https:\/\/www.transy.edu\/about\/office-of-the-president\/presidential-search\/\">Continue to &ldquo;Presidential Search&rdquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":18,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"216,659","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-3817","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.3 (Yoast SEO v28.4) - 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