Lake Superior State University Board of Trustees to begin search for new president

The Board of Trustees at Lake Superior State University has begun its nationwide search for the school’s next permanent president, and has named its presidential search committee. 

In an article on Lake Superior State University’s website, Board Chair Timothy L. Lukenda was quoted on the search, saying, “The goal is to have the 11th permanent president in place as soon as is practical while emphasizing the importance of a thorough search process. We also intend for the search process to engage all LSSU stakeholders as well as the general public.”

The board is planning to work with a contracted presidential search consultant through its own solicitation process, which Lukenda will oversee. Lukenda has appointed Cynthia K. Williams, who serves as the Board 1st Vice Chair, to be in charge of the presidential search committee. The committee will work together with the consultant to create a job description and leadership profile for a desired president, which applicants for the position will be judged against, as well as conduct the preliminary interviews and make a short list of finalists to the rest of the Board who will be tasked with hiring the new president.

The presidential search committee is made up of representatives from Lake Superior State University and members of the community including: Cynthia K. Williams, Board 1st Vice Chair and Presidential Search Committee Chair, Joseph P. Moening, Faculty Association President and Professor of Electrical Engineering, Don Gerrie, Mayor, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Timothy L. Lukenda, Board Chair, Ex-Officio, Hayley Beaudoin, Student Government President’s Council Chair, Damon Whitten, Men’s Hockey Head Coach, Bob Kjolhede, Foundation Board Member, Patricia L. Caruso, Board 2nd Vice Chair, Fred Pierce, Dean of Admissions and Marketing, Kathy A. Berchem, Dean of the College of Health and Behavior, Ashley H. Moerke, Executive Director of the Barch Center for Freshwater Research and Education and Professor of Biological Sciences, Jonathan P. DeRoo, Board Trustee, Don Jones, Facility Attendant and Education Support Professionals President, Whitney Gravelle, President, Bay Mills Indian Community, and Mackenzie Stockwell, Student Government President.

Lukenda also talked about the importance of transparency in the search for a new president, saying, “The Board commits to updating LSSU students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and our community neighbors, on progress of the search and seeking input whenever possible.”

Williams also acknowledged the importance of choosing a new president for the school, saying, “One of the Board’s most important duties is the responsibility for appointing, employing, and supervising the university president. We are excited to have begun the journey of identifying the next permanent president and look forward to wide participation in this most important endeavor.”

LSSU Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Lynn G. Gillette, was appointed interim president in early April of this year by the Board after Dr. Rodney S. Hanley resigned from the position after nearly five years.