First steps taken in creating chancellor search and screen panel

The University of Wisconsin System is taking the first steps toward creating a search and screen committee to assist in selecting UW–Madison’s next permanent chancellor.

UW System President Kevin Reilly this week reached out to the University Committee, Academic Staff Executive Committee, Associated Students of Madison and Interim Chancellor David Ward seeking names of nominees for the committee.

Reilly intends to appoint a 23-member committee consisting of 12 faculty members, two academic staff members, one classified staff member, two administrators (one from UW–Madison and one from UW System administration); two UW–Madison students and four community members.

“As you know, this process is among the most important responsibilities in university governance, involving as it does the Board of Regents, the System President, the faculty, academic staff, classified staff, students, and the community. The time and energy required in carrying out a search are heavy commitments,” Reilly to the various groups.

Reilly emphasized the importance of diversity in academics, gender and ethnicity in assembling the committee. Heads of the shared governance units were asked to provide brief background statements and contact information for the nominees.

Nominations are due back from those units on Friday, Sept. 30.

“After I receive all of the nominations, I expect to set up a committee as broadly representative of the university community as possible,” Reilly said.

Reilly said the committee’s work typically spans several months. He plans to work with a Special Regent Committee, named by Board of Regents President Michael J. Spector to establish a timeline. Reilly added that he expects that timeline to culminate with having a new chancellor named by spring 2012, with a planned starting date in July 2012.

Chancellor Biddy Martin announced in June that she was leaving UW–Madison after three years to assume the presidency at Amherst College in Massachusetts.