FSU begins search for new leader

In its first meeting since Florida State University President Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte announced his resignation, the transition committee discussed proposing Search Advisory Committee members and guidelines for selecting a new president.

The transition committee, which is comprised of several trustees, will make recommendations to the full board at a later date.

The committee drew up a list of 27 nominees for the advisory committee, including administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students, community leaders, FSU Foundation and Research Foundation members, Booster Club members and one member to be selected by Board Chairman John Thrasher.

The Search Advisory Committee will perform a national candidate search, review applications and nominations and make recommendations to the board, the governing body, which will have the final decision in selecting the new president.

D’Alemberte, who announced his resignation in August, said he would continue to head the university if the presidential search takes longer than expected.

“If it’s possible to recruit a new president who can begin service in January 2003, I will leave then,” he said. “If not, then I am willing to serve through the legislative session until a new president can be on board.”

The transition committee also discussed the criteria for selecting a new president.

“The president must be of distinguished intellectual stature and must have an outstanding record of academic and other accomplishments, which commands the respect of the academic world,” said Valeria Auzenne, a committee member. “He or she must be adept at organizing intellectual resources for success in teaching, research and service.”

Many members of the transition committee said they would like the next president to carry out the legacy left by D’Alemberte.

“A person with a distinguished record of personal and academic achievements; fundraising abilities; and a person who will be able to work with and gain the confidence of all parts of a diverse university community and have a good working relationship with legislature,” Pletch said.

D’Alemberte, who also attended the meeting, said faculty recruitment should be a top priority for the next president.

“It’s an absolute critical task,” D’Alemberte said

The Transition Committee will meet Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in 201 Wescott on the FSU campus. The committee’s final meeting will be Friday at 1:30 p.m. in 201 Wescott. The agenda for this meeting has not been set yet.