MEMORANDUM
To: Members of the University of the Virgin Islands Community
From: Presidential Search Committee Chairs Dr. John Quelch and Jennifer Nugent Hill
Date: October 3, 2023
Subject: Presidential Search Update
On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, we are pleased to share that, after a first round of interviews, three candidates have been selected as finalists.
In late March, Isaacson, Miller conducted 15 listening sessions with students, alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, and governmental, business, and community leaders on both UVI campuses. Your input provided a deep understanding of UVI and the opportunities and challenges ahead for our next President. Your feedback helped shape a comprehensive position profile, which was instrumental to our recruitment efforts as we built a robust and multifaceted pool.
During the course of the search, 300 individuals were contacted about the Presidential opportunity, either as prospective candidates or potential sources, and 105 applicants submitted materials for consideration. Isaacson, Miller held over 70 phone conversations with individuals and after consultation with the Search Committee, conducted 36 candidate interviews. The Search Committee interviewed eight semi-finalists and extended invitations for campus visits to three finalists.
These promising finalists demonstrate a unique set of qualifications, characteristics, and experiences that will set them up to successfully articulate UVI’s strategic vision, meet the challenges of student enrollment, and enhance the student experience. Furthermore, each finalist is committed to providing inclusive and accessible leadership for UVI by stabilizing the university’s operations, continuing to provide exceptional stakeholder service, and cultivating financial security through strategic partnerships throughout the Territory, the U.S., and internationally.
The finalists are eager to engage with the campus community during on-campus interviews in October or November. Isaacson, Miller will conduct extensive on- and off-list references on the finalist candidates and assist in facilitating the finalist visit process. We are currently working to determine the precise timing and format of these visits. Additional information will be provided to the UVI community as soon as possible.
As we prepare to welcome the finalists to campus, please keep in mind that, as members of the UVI campus community, your experience and understanding of studying/teaching/working at UVI may not be readily accessible to someone from outside. While we may expect candidates to have a basic sense of our campuses — as reported via standard media, social media, and the University's web presence — without full immersion in our campus culture, we cannot expect them to speak authoritatively about what they would do or what is ‘right’ for our community.
The search continues to progress on schedule, with the aim to identify UVI’s next President early next year. Thank you for your continued support as we move through this important process. We will continue to provide the community with additional updates as appropriate.
Sincerely,
Presidential Search Committee Co-Chairs
Dr. John Quelch and Jennifer Nugent-Hill
