Who will be the next president of Cabrini College? That is the question being asked around campus. The extensive process to find potential candidates has officially begun. The search committee, under Chair Tom Nerney, is now underway and the job description has been posted. Though how does the process work and what does the committee look for when searching and sifting through candidates?
The search committee consists of 13 members including trustees, professors and one student. The committee also works with a search firm to help guide and support the process. Korn/Ferry International is the firm helping Cabrini with this very important task. Tom Nerney, chair of the board of trustees, provided insight on the search.
Nerney and the committee together establish the qualifications needed for the job. Nerney said, “We focus more on key leadership characteristics rather than specific professional experiences.” They are also looking for “Individuals who have demonstrated the ability to lead a multifaceted, large organization like Cabrini and who can inspire our community.”
Nerney also said that when it comes specifically to Cabrini, candidates must “Connect with our mission and heritage and have experience in innovating and creating new things.”
Senior Greg Robinson is currently the student body president and is also the student representative on the search committee. Robinson said, “What I look for in a presidential candidate is the ability to connect with the students on a everyday basis.” He added, “It is a very hard task because, not only do I have to speak for the friends and people I hang out with but also for the students who are commuters, students who have different interests than me, and of course, students who are quiet.” Robinson has a solution for this problem. “One way I plan on making this role more interactive with the student body is a way that works 100 percent,” Robinson said. “That is asking the student body and using the Student Government representatives by bringing information back to our weekly meetings.”
“If you have anything you would like to know or have any suggestion/questions I should ask at our next meeting please email me at sga@cabrini.edu,” Robinson said.
He concluded, “Whoever the next president may be, I hope they come in ready to hit the ground running because Cabrini College is ready for a change.”
Students on campus had various opinions on what a president should be as well. Sophomore education major Molly McDougall hopes for, “Someone who really loves Cabrini and will go the extra mile for the campus.” She continued by saying, “They would have to be a strong leader and make decisions that are for the best of the community as a whole.”
Junior human resources major Dana Millio is looking for someone “To represent our community with respect and professionalism.” She added, “And it wouldn’t hurt to be a Greek life alumni!”
Lastly, sophomore math major Justin Juliano said, “Our future president should share the same values that Mother Cabrini set forth.”
There are other requirements candidates must have before even applying. Candidates must possess a doctorate degree and understand the technical as well as functional skills needed to guide a liberal arts college. Candidates must also not be afraid to challenge the status quo and be able to build motivated, high-performing teams.
Nerney concluded with the simple idea that, “Cabrini is an institution that is very focused on students’ experiences and outcomes, so we’ll be looking for candidates who clearly understand the importance of this emphasis.”
