The first of four presidential search phases to name the 24th president of Walla Walla University has begun. FaithSearch Partners, a supporting firm, will conduct several meetings on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024 and Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 at WWU’s College Place campus to meet with key stakeholder groups to document expectations, needs and other information that will play a pivotal role for the presidential search committee.
The presidential search process will take place in four phases:
- Phase 1: Assessment and inventory of ideal candidate traits and skills
FaithSearch Partners meets with all key stakeholders related to the position, including the board of directors, presidential search committee, direct reports to the position and other important constituents. The input from these meetings is synthesized into a comprehensive assessment report which is provided to the presidential search committee. The report includes the ideal candidate profile and goals for the position, among other essential details.
- Phase 2: Research and sourcing conducted by FaithSearch Partners
Based on the approved candidate profile, prospects, referrals and candidates are contacted. Those expressing interest are screened and evaluated against the ideal candidate profile.
- Phase 3: Candidate list evaluated and semi-finalists identified
FaithSearch presents a recommended slate of candidates to the presidential search committee. Selected candidates are interviewed by the presidential search committee.
- Phase 4: Presidential search committee recommends final candidate(s)
The search committee selects a finalist who will visit the campus and meet with a variety of stakeholders. The search committee will then make its final recommendation to the WWU board of trustees.
Nominations for presidential candidates can be sent directly to Doug Duffield, WWU 1994 graduate and senior vice president of FaithSearch Partners, at dduffield@faithsearchpartners.com, or Ed Fry, president of FaithSearch Partners, at edfry@faithsearchpartners.com. Nominations are encouraged by March 15, 2024.
FaithSearch Partners is an executive search firm with extensive experience working with faith-based organizations like WWU. They have supported similar search processes at Adventist institutions such as Union College, Kettering Health Network and Southern Adventist University. Other Christian institutions of higher education that FaithSearch Partners has supported are Biola University, Seattle Pacific University and Point Loma Nazarene University.
WWU is an institution of higher education founded on Christian teachings and values as understood and appreciated by the Adventist Church. WWU has more than 1,300 students enrolled across four campuses in the Pacific Northwest, including College Place, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Anacortes, Washington; and Billings, Montana.
