Ashland University has launched the search process for an interim president to replace President Fred Finks, who announced last month that he is stepping down in October. Specifically, the university has created a special committee consisting of five members whose efforts will focus on finding an individual who can lead the school during a temporary period.

“We have established a committee and they are meeting for the first time next week,” said Lisa O. Miller, president of the AU Board of Trustees.

Until the school selects a new leader, the interim president will perform duties similar to the responsibilities held by Finks. These tasks include overseeing decisions, working with the Board of Trustees and planning the university’s goals into the coming years. Finks will transition from his current job into a newly formed chancellor position in October.   

Miller expects one or two committee meetings before presenting their findings during the board meeting in May. 

Once selecting the interim president, the board will focus on finding an individual to occupy the permanent role. Miller explained that the hiring process could last six to eight months. This reasoning remains a contributing factor in the decision of hiring someone temporarily rather than finding a more permanent individual. 

“It gave us more time to search for a president,” Miller said.

The Board of Trustees has also formed a planning committee, one that will set the stage for a comprehensive overview of the entire university. 

This group will examine various facets of the school in depth such as academic departments, sports teams and AU’s administrative side. 

The committee will conduct a general overview and then determine what aspects a future committee will concentrate on.  

“There are no preconceived ideas going into the planning,” Miller said. “It is very much open.”

After analyzing these different components, the committee plans on devising methods that will improve these segments into the future. In addition, they will create a vision statement with assistance from faculty, staff and students. 

The committee’s next main goal involves documenting their experiences for future reference. For example, they may offer input regarding how they judged the various aspects, the study’s duration and the factors considered by members. 

In May, the planning committee will present their findings. Before this deadline, they anticipate scheduling a minimum of two meetings. 

Interested individuals can attend these sessions to gain more information about the findings and voice their opinions. Miller said the committee will clarify how the changes will impact the 2015-2016 school year budget once they decide upon the areas that will be affected.