Before the Faculty Association began their meeting on Feb. 8, a request was made to change the agenda in order to discuss the presidential search.

The FA leadership created a guideline years before the presidential search began called “Resolution on the Presidential Search”. The resolution talks about the importance of a president’s position, sets the criteria for the position and the importance of their mission.

Faculty members voiced their support towards the resolution before the change was made because they think the resolution meets the qualifications of the current president and should also meet the qualifications of the future president.

Some faculty members expressed their concerns and comments about the resolution. Thus, one of the statements was changed.

The previous resolution stated: “The UNF Faculty Association urges the Board of Trustees to only consider those remaining applicant for UNF President who hold a tenured faculty line in a position of Vice President for Academic Affairs or Dean of a College.”

The FA believes the next president should have academic experience. Some thought the statement might exclude a candidate. The only presidential candidate without academic experience is Roger Thompson, who is the vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at the University of Oregon. 

Ultimately, the faculty wants to find a balance between a candidate being politically savvy and academically interested as well.  

Not everyone agreed with creating a different statement, therefore a “friendly amendment” was made to change the statement to:

“The UNF Faculty Association urges the Board of Trustees to favor those remaining applicant for UNF President who hold a tenured faculty line in a position of Vice President for Academic Affairs or Dean of a College.”

The committee originally hoped for four candidates, but due to successful interviews five candidates were chosen. They believe this gives faculty and students the possibilities to look at more candidates.  The schedule for the final 5 candidates is still in the process of being made.

Faculty members are intrigued and are hoping the next president represents UNF the way has been done for the past 15 years with President Delaney.

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