On February 7, Dean Barbara Bardes announced that she would not seek another term at RWC after 2003, citing a desire to return to “the highly satisfying and peaceful role of teacher and scholar.” This announcement created a need to fill her position at RWC and a Search Committee has been hard at work for over a year in search of her replacement. Narrowed down from 68 candidates, five candidates have all completed their last interviews, toured the campus, and met with faculty, staff, and students. The Search Committee was formed early last year and is comprised of the Dean of Student Services, five faculty members, two members of the Community Advisory Council, one student, and the Chair of the Committee, Dr. Victoria Montavon. The Search Committee initially narrowed down the candidate pool from 68 to 15 applicants and then to five.
They have now reached a consensus on three candidates and will be meeting with Provost Anthony Perzigian to relay their final recommendations and evaluations. This concludes the Search Committee’s role in the search for the new Dean, and the final selection will be left to the office of the Provost.
Although they cannot release the names of the chosen three candidates at this time, according to Dr. Marlene Miner, a faculty member of the Search Committee, the new Dean will be announced before the end of the quarter.
The five candidates hail from as far away as Wisconsin and New York to as near as the ivy-covered McMicken College of Arts and Sciences building on main campus. Here’s a brief glimpse at the remaining candidates, one of whom will be RWC’s next Dean:
* Kevin J. Corcoran Ph.D, Professor and Department Head, Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati;
* Jan Hillard Ph.D, Associate Provost, Vice-Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, WI;
* Elaine Pontillo Ph.D, Vice President for Instructional and Corporate Services, Stark State College of Technology, Canton, OH;
* Brad J. Stewart, Chief Executive Officer and Dean, University of Wisconsin-Wukesha, Waukesha, WI;
* Dolores Y. Straker Ph.D , University Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, City University of New York, New York, NY.
And what does it take exactly to qualify as the next Dean of RWC? Minimum qualifications include an earned doctorate, at least three years experience of higher education administrative experience, a successful teaching record, a record of research and professional achievement, strong financial management skills, and excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
Dr. Miner stated that the Search Committee was looking for a candidate who has demonstrated a” good understanding of the needs of our college as an open admissions college of the University of Cincinnati. Someone who has inspiring leadership skills while, at the same time, is not a top down administrator. He or she will have a strong sense of shared governance, meaning that all constituents of RWC have a voice in decision making and a strong role in it.”
Dr. Miner added that the Committee was especially looking at the way candidates interacted with students and at those applicants who hold the students’ best interests at heart in addition to their academic, professional and administrative records. As Dr. Miner claimed, “The strongest quality is the ability to listen to people.”
Dr. Miner observed that the search process has been “very thorough” and that “it has worked.” She is confident that each member of the Search Committee feels “a strong sense of responsibility and obligation to make good choices for RWC and the community.” Open sessions were held regarding the search for a new Dean, and the Search Committee has spent a great deal of time processing, considering and responding to feedback to gauge what people’s reactions and opinions were.
As we bid farewell to Dean Bardes this year, only time will tell who the next Dean will be.