At Friday’s (Dec. 13) Western Illinois University Board of Trustees meeting, the Board voted to approve hiring a presidential search firm to conduct a national search for Western’s 12th president. Interim President Martin Abraham, who has served in the role since July 1, will remain serving as interim president until a permanent president is hired.
“We have greatly appreciated Dr. Abraham’s efforts as acting and interim president, and we look forward to a continued working relationship,” said BOT Chair Polly Radosh.
The Board will solicit bids for a presidential search firm not to exceed $250,000. Firms who participate in the state bidding process will be reviewed and interviewed by search committee co-chairs, Faculty Senate Chair Christopher Pynes and a member of the Board of Trustees, along with other appointed individuals. In 2009, following the announcement of the 2011 retirement of then President Al Goldfarb, the Board selected Korn/Ferry International to conduct the institution’s search for its 11th president, at a cost of $90,000 plus agreed-upon expenses. A presidential search committee will be formed, comprised of WIU faculty, staff, students and alumni, as well as Macomb and Quad Cities community members.
