97-12-05 Trustees: Presidential Search Progressing Well

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH PROGRESSING WELL, BOARD CHAIR REPORTS

     COLUMBUS -- Alex Shumate, chair of The Ohio State University
Board of Trustees and chair of the search committee charged with
finding a successor to outgoing President E. Gordon Gee, told the
board Friday (12/5) that the search "is proceeding exactly as
planned."

     "We are proceeding with 'all deliberate speed' and are
confident of achieving an outstanding result," Shumate said.  He
said he expects the committee to produce a nominee within the
six- to nine-month timetable outlined when the committee was
formed; that is, by the end of March 1998.

     Shumate said the committee is both encouraged by the keen
interest being shown in the position and sobered by the
competitive environment for the most qualified candidates.

     "It is increasingly clear that to win the confidence of the
most desirable candidates -- as well as to compete effectively --
the confidentiality and integrity of the search process must
remain uncompromised," he said.  "Within this challenging
framework, we are assembling a pool of the most accomplished,
most promising, the most energetic, and the most committed
national leaders in higher education today."

     Shumate reiterated the pledge to bring to Ohio State "the
right person for the right time."  And he said the committee will
continue to exercise discipline and discretion in seeking that
person.

     He thanked the committee, the university community and all
the alumni, civic leaders, neighbors and businesspersons who have
provided support, encouragement and input during the process.

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[Submitted by: Von Vargas  (vargas.12@osu.edu)
               
Fri, 5 Dec 1997 15:29:05 -0500 (EST)]
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