Presidential Search

Presidential Search Update

January 27, 2012

Dear University of Maryland Eastern Shore Community:

The search for the next President of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has
continued to progress very well. On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, I want
to update you on that progress.

Since my last communications on November 7, 2011, the full Committee has met on 2
occasions for a total of 3 days. In early December, 2011, the Committee met to review
the pool of candidates. If you will recall, we had received a number of nominations and
replies to our advertisements which included former presidents, provosts, chief academic
officers and chief administrative officers from throughout the country. At that meeting,
the committee narrowed the candidate pool to 13 candidates who were invited to
interview with the committee. Again, the search process is confidential so I can not be
more specific.

The committee interviewed the candidates over a two day period on January 20th and 21st.
As a result of those interviews, the candidate pool was reduced to 8 candidates. These 8
candidates are currently being referenced checked and second round interviews will
occur the week of February 13th. Following those interviews a small group of outstanding
candidates will be submitted to the Board of Regents for their consideration in late
February.

I am very pleased with our progress to date as well as by my outstanding colleagues on
the committee. I am confident that, together, we will submit the names of some
remarkable leaders to the Board of Regents to become the next President of this
outstanding University.

Sincerely,
Alfonso “Al” Cornish
UMES Class of 1974
Chairman

---

Letter from the Chancellor

April 25, 2011

Dear members of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore community:

Recently, I met with members of the UMES community to discuss the presidential search process and to solicit names of individuals to serve on the committee to help find President Thelma Thompson’s successor. I extend my thanks to all of you who met with me and who submitted names for consideration. Your input was extremely helpful.

Today, I am very pleased to inform you that I have now established the search and screening committee  to launch a national search in accordance with the University System of Maryland Board of Regents guidelines. You may recall that I shared some of those guidelines in the recent issue of The Key, your campus newsletter. At the conclusion of its work, the committee will recommend a group of finalists, three to five, to the Board of Regents and me. The Board will make the final appointment.

UMES Alumnus Al Cornish, who is Vice President, Education and Development/Chief Learning Officer for Norton Healthcare in Louisville, KY, has agreed to chair the search and screening committee. At its first meeting, the committee will put in place a process to solicit input on the proposed criteria and qualifications of the next leader of UMES.  I anticipate that the search and screening process will be completed within six months.

I want to take this opportunity to once again laud President Thompson for her nine years of outstanding leadership. Her unwavering focus on excellence has had a tremendous impact on the quality of the university’s academic, research, and outreach programs. 

Before President Thompson leaves in August, I will announce an interim appointment to serve until the new president is in place.

Thank you all for your cooperation and support during this transition period.

 

Sincerely,

William E. Kirwan
Chancellor
University System of Maryland