The Advantages of Having a Trustee Chair a Search Committee for a New Provost

The selection of a new provost is a critical decision for any university, as this individual plays a pivotal role in shaping academic policies, overseeing faculty, and ensuring the institution’s educational standards are met. At a Catholic university, the stakes are even higher due to the unique mission of integrating faith and reason while promoting the values of the Catholic tradition. One strategic approach to this process is having a trustee chair the search committee. This essay will explore the advantages of this arrangement, focusing on alignment with the university’s mission, leveraging the trustee’s experience and networking, enhancing stakeholder confidence, and fortifying a comprehensive and unbiased selection process.