Interim President Search

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St. Edward’s University Interim President Search: A Season of Stewardship and Continuity

Leadership transitions mark pivotal moments in the life of a university. As we begin the presidential transition, the Board of Trustees recognizes that the St. Edward’s University community may face understandable questions, emotions and even uncertainty.

The Board has initiated an immediate search for an Interim President and is focused on ensuring a stable, thoughtful and mission-grounded path forward for our entire community. Our priority is continuity of leadership, clarity of direction and preservation of the strong momentum underway across academics, student life, advancement and community partnerships.

To support this critical effort, the Board has engaged AGB Search, a nationally respected firm specializing in higher education presidential and executive searches.

Interim Presidential Search Process

An interim search is designed to ensure immediate, experienced leadership during a defined transition period. Unlike a permanent search, which is highly participatory and unfolds over many months with broad campus engagement, an interim search is intentionally focused, expedited and governance-led. Its purpose is not to redefine the University's long-term vision, but to provide steady stewardship, an objective perspective and disciplined direction as the institution prepares for a comprehensive, inclusive permanent search. 

Because of this mandate, the profile of an Interim President differs significantly from that of a permanent candidate. The Board prioritizes individuals who have already served successfully as presidents in higher education. Interim leaders must be able to step in immediately without a learning curve to maintain stable operations, reinforce strategic focus, support morale and ensure institutional continuity. They are expected to bring seasoned judgment, credibility with external stakeholders and the capacity to lead through complexity from day one. 

While input from faculty, staff and students remains valued and will inform the Board’s understanding of institutional needs, the interim search does not replicate the broad consultative framework of a permanent search process. The Board is responsible for acting with urgency, prudence and clarity to secure leadership that protects the University’s mission and momentum.

Timeline and Key Activities

Following the announcement of the presidential transition in late February, the Board initiated a structured and thoughtful process with AGB Search, including developing a position profile, reviewing candidate credentials and conducting candidate interviews. In April, finalists will meet with leaders of the University’s shared governance groups — representing faculty, staff, students and alums — as part of the evaluation process. The University anticipates announcing the interim president by early May, with the appointment beginning June 1.

How You Can Participate

We encourage you to share questions or feedback either by emailing transition@stedwards.edu or speaking directly with your respective shared governance leaders:

  • Alumni Association Representative: Andrew Harper '03, MLA '07, Alumni Association President
  • Faculty Representative: Jason Callahan, PhD, Faculty Senate President
  • Staff Representative: Valerie Martin '21, Staff Council Chair
  • Student Representative: Angelica Scheer '27, Student Government Association President

Frequently Asked Questions

Change naturally brings questions. We offer the following responses to address common concerns and provide clarity as we move forward together.

An effective permanent presidential search requires thoughtful preparation, extensive stakeholder engagement and careful discernment to ensure strong mission alignment and long-term institutional fit. Launching an interim appointment first allows the University to maintain stability and momentum while providing the necessary time to conduct a comprehensive, inclusive and nationally competitive permanent search process: one that reflects our Holy Cross mission, addresses strategic priorities and inspires confidence across our community.

AGB Search offers executive search, interim search, and compensation evaluation services exclusively to higher education institutions. Founded by the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, AGB has an unmatched understanding of the qualifications critical for effective higher education leadership. By working with AGB, St. Edward’s University will have access to valued governance resources and training, as well as highly regarded search services. 

Yes. Based on established higher education governance practice and confirmation from AGB Search, a focused two-month timeline is both realistic and appropriate for an interim presidential appointment.

Unlike a permanent presidential search, which typically requires extensive national outreach, multi-stage vetting, campus visits and broad strategic discernment over many months, an interim search is intentionally narrower in scope. It is designed to prioritize stability, continuity, and proven leadership capacity within a defined timeframe.

No. Given the focused and expedited nature of an interim appointment, the Board has engaged our search partner to serve as the selection committee in close coordination with the Board.

This structure allows us to move with appropriate urgency while ensuring disciplined vetting, confidentiality and experienced judgment. A permanent presidential search will include a broader, more participatory process with expanded opportunities for community engagement.

We welcome thoughtful nominations from members of our community. At the same time, it is essential to understand that the interim role requires prior presidential experience in higher education. The individual, whether an internal or external candidate, must be able to step in immediately without a learning curve and provide seasoned executive leadership, institutional credibility and steady direction from day one.

AGB maintains an established pool of experienced, pre-vetted and successful former and sitting presidents who have already undergone rigorous due diligence and are prepared to serve in interim capacities. Given the expedited nature of this process, the firm will primarily draw from this vetted network to ensure both quality and timeliness.

While nominations are undoubtedly welcome, there may not be sufficient time to conduct the level of comprehensive vetting required for individuals outside this established pool.

When we undertake the permanent presidential search, the criteria will be broader and the process more expansive. At that time, we may consider candidates from outside higher education as well as higher education leaders who have not previously served as president.

The Interim President will serve until a permanent President is appointed and installed, for no longer than two years.

The Interim President will play a critical bridging and framing role for the next strategic agenda, without predetermining its final direction. This includes ensuring strong execution of current priorities, engaging in structured listening across the community and assessing emerging risks and opportunities. Working closely with the Board, the Interim President will help clarify key strategic questions — informed by enrollment trends, financial sustainability, academic portfolio strength and mission impact — so that the permanent President can lead a robust and inclusive planning process from a position of clarity and strength.

Following the appointment of the Interim President, the Board will share a roadmap for the permanent presidential search.

The Board’s Responsibility

The Board of Trustees carries both the legal authority and sacred trust to appoint the University’s President. We approach this responsibility with humility, diligence and fidelity to:

  • Our Holy Cross mission and Catholic identity
  • The long-term sustainability of the institution
  • The well-being of students, faculty and staff
  • The trust of alums, donors and community partners

A Shared Commitment

Transitions can naturally raise questions about direction, stability and voice. Yet even in times of change, our grounding in our Holy Cross mission and values remains unwavering.

We want to assure our students, faculty, and staff that this process is guided by prayerful discernment, thoughtful governance and a steadfast commitment to who we are and what we are called to serve.

This is not merely a moment of change. It is a moment of stewardship. And together, we will ensure that St. Edward’s University continues to flourish, guided by faith, excellence and service.

Campus Communications