A message from Doug Pierce, 国产剧麻豆剧 Board Chair
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce the election of 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 (国产剧麻豆剧) 15th president, Dr. Kerry Fulcher. Dr. Fulcher has been the university鈥檚 Provost and Chief Academic Officer since 2010. Dr. Fulcher was also a professor of biology at 国产剧麻豆剧 starting in 1994 and was biology chair from 2002 to 2008. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Idaho and his B.S. at Northwest Nazarene University.
I want to thank Board Trustee Dr. Nell Becker Sweeden who chaired the Search Committee and the faculty, staff and trustees for their time and energy in faithfully serving on this committee. I also want to thank FaithSearch Partners, one of the largest executive search firms in the U.S., who was hired early on to assist with this search.
In February, FaithSearch Partners conducted focus groups with faculty, staff, students, administration, alumni, external partners and donors to fully understand and appreciate the community鈥檚 perspective on the important characteristics and experiences of the ideal presidential candidate, as well as challenges the next president will likely face. Additionally, an anonymous survey was sent to all faculty and staff, trustees, alumni and external partners to gather additional insight and perspectives. This input was used to create a detailed position profile which helped to guide the next phase of the search process.
FaithSearch Partners worked to narrow the crowded pool of candidates to approximately 150. The candidate list was further refined after additional follow up conversations and vetting. Twelve qualified candidates were presented to the Search Committee who then narrowed it down to 4 individuals. Early this month, the Search Committee met in person for in depth interviews with the final three candidates (after one person withdrew). The Committee recommended two candidates to the full Board of Trustees which voted to elect Dr. Fulcher as the next 国产剧麻豆剧 president.
Dr. Fulcher brings a wealth of higher education experience, understands the growing challenges and complexities that universities are facing and is committed to making the 国产剧麻豆剧 community a welcoming and thriving place for all of its students, faculty and staff.
Upon receiving the news of his election, Dr. Fulcher stated, 鈥淩obyn and I are humbled and honored to be chosen to serve this beautiful community that we have had the privilege of being a part of for these many years. We are grateful for Dr. Bob and Linda Brower鈥檚 faithful leadership that has left 国产剧麻豆剧 with a solid foundation and strong financial position to build from. We know and believe the Holy Spirit is active and present within the 国产剧麻豆剧 community and we鈥檙e excited to partner together, moving into the good future God has in store.鈥�
Please join the Board of Trustees in congratulating Dr. Fulcher on being named 国产剧麻豆剧鈥檚 next president. Dr. Fulcher鈥檚 presidential tenure will commence on August 15, 2024, with some overlap with Dr. Brower to support a smooth transition.
Sincerely,
Doug Pierce
国产剧麻豆剧 Board Chair