SILVER CITY, NM – Western New Mexico University has officially launched a nationwide search for its next president, working with executive search firm Anthem Academics to guide the process. Representatives from Anthem recently spent several days on the Silver City campus conducting interviews, leading listening sessions, and getting to know the university’s culture.
Over two evenings, WNMU faculty, staff, students, and community members participated in town hall-style sessions at J. Cloyd Miller Library. Attendees joined both in person and online via Zoom, offering feedback on the qualities they believe are most important for the university’s next leader.
“Everything we do is driven toward the students, staff and community,” said Michael Ballew of Anthem Academics. “We’re looking for someone who is already successful and contributing at a high level in their current organization.”
Participants were invited to describe the experiences and characteristics that would “compel or repel” potential candidates. Feedback ranged from emphasizing the need for prior university leadership experience to encouraging a continued focus on dual enrollment and career and technical education certificate programs. One virtual participant noted the unique makeup of WNMU’s student body, which includes many nontraditional and fully online learners.
At the close of each session, attendees were asked to share a single word describing the ideal presidential candidate. Responses included integrity, authentic, transparent, and compassionate.
Insights from the listening sessions, along with input from a public online survey, will help shape an eight to ten-page search prospectus. This document will highlight the university’s mission, vision, challenges, and the attributes desired in its next president, serving as a guide to attract top candidates nationwide.
The public survey ends today and will close at 11:45 p.m. It can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WNMUPresidentNeedsSurvey.
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