Presidential Search
The University of Connecticut is one of the top public research universities in the nation, and an unprecedented commitment from the state of Connecticut ensures UConn attracts internationally renowned faculty and the world’s brightest students. As a vibrant, progressive leader, UConn fosters a diverse and dynamic culture that meets the challenges of a changing global society.
About UConn
32,000+
students
275,000+
alumni
14
school & colleges
UConn Seeks 17th
University President
The University of Connecticut (UConn) seeks an experienced leader who has demonstrated bold, strategic leadership for the position of president to lead the state’s flagship higher education institution and sole public research university at a time of enormous growth and momentum. Few universities have seen the level of investment made by state government that UConn has seen over the last 25 years, which has transformed the University’s campuses and helped it to become one of the best public universities in the nation. UConn has built a strong identity and is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years.
Professional and Personal Qualifications
The University of Connecticut seeks in its new president an experienced leader with bold vision, extraordinary energy, and the personal and diplomatic skills necessary to guide UConn to new levels of excellence. Candidates should have a history of organizational leadership, a demonstrated ability to build and cultivate financial support for the University and its programs, and accomplishment in creating and supporting a climate of community, diversity, understanding, integrity, and mutual respect. Further desired qualifications include:
- An earned doctorate, appropriate terminal degree, or demonstrated record of successful executive leadership with experience sufficient to warrant the respect of the academic community;
- A powerful affinity for and commitment to the mission and values of a public university; enthusiasm for UConn and the various communities in which the University has a presence; an ability to bring campus constituencies to actionable consensus;
- A clear vision of the challenges and opportunities facing public higher education, and how they have an impact on a competitive research university;
- Demonstrated aptitude for financial strategy and decision-making in a complex environment; significant experience in building a culture of entrepreneurship and managing allocations and incentives in a complex budget;
- Successful experience as a strategic leader; an understanding of the full range of strategic issues in complex organizations and the ability to execute large and ambitious plans;
- An appreciation for the importance and challenge of maintaining a healthy, productive balance between research and high-quality teaching; understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the concerns and interests of faculty;
- An appreciation for the mission of an academic medical center, the business operations of academic medical centers and other major healthcare providers, and the challenges and opportunities providers are faced with in the current marketplace;
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; the ability to engage in informative and productive dialogue across diverse audiences; the ability to effectively and successfully communicate with elected officials and the news media, and a recognition of the important role both play in the life of the University as a public institution;
- A track record of working with community leaders, local businesses, and local and state government, including experience with elected officials and state legislature;
- A proven, demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty governance and an openness to collaborative relationships with campus unions;
- A commitment to diversity, including individual action and institutional leadership to advance diversity;
- A commitment to environmental and social sustainability;
- Proven success in fundraising; the capacity to represent UConn compellingly to donors and to lead a substantial ongoing development campaign;
- An understanding of and commitment to sustaining a strong athletic program that will confer the goodwill of the state in the University and will deliver a message of the role athletic programs play in developing ethics and integrity;
- A demonstrated ability to understand, lead, and inspire multiple geographically dispersed campuses; and
- Experience working with boards and assisting them in utilizing their full potential to advance institutional goals.
To Apply or Nominate
The University of Connecticut Board of Trustees invites letters of nomination, applications (letter of interest, complete CV, and references) or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the Board. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made. All nominations and applications must be submitted prior to August 1, 2022.
Laurie C. Wilder, President
Porsha L. Williams, Vice President
Parker Executive Search Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 2875 Atlanta, GA 30328 lwilder@parkersearch.com || pwilliams@parkersearch.com
Phone: 770-804-1996 x 109
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities, and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.
Executive Search Firm and Advisory Committee
Executive Search Firm
Parker Executive Search has been selected to support the search process. Parker is a leading global retained executive search firm with experience in recruiting senior leaders for institutions of higher education.
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Search Committee for President is comprised of 50 members and will be led by Board Chair Daniel Toscano.
Steering Committee
Important Links
University of Connecticut
Storrs, Connecticut 06269
uconn.edu