Lee's Board of Directors announces presidential search committee

Nov 20

Nov 20 Lee's Board of Directors announces presidential search committee

Dennis Livingston, Chair of Lee University’s Board of Directors. Photo courtesy of Lee University Office of Publications

Following Dr. Paul Conn’s announcement to step down as university president, the main topic of discussion among students has been of his possible successor. The Lee University Board of Directors has assembled a search committee, and Chairman Dennis Livingston is hoping for a successor to be chosen by early 2020.

Livingston has been on the board for 23 years and is leading the search for the next president. He has acquired a six-member Board search committee.

“We are a search committee, not a selection committee,” Livingston stated. “Our job is to gather information, but the entire Board of Directors will meet together to make the choice.”

In addition to the search committee, several individuals have been chosen as direct liaisons to different aspects of campus life and activity. These are the representatives that Livingston encourages people contact to make their voice heard. Steve Black represents Lee alumni; Jean Eledge represents Lee faculty; Beverly Johnson represents the Cleveland community; Jerry Madden represents the Church; Lena Barber represents Lee students and staff.

Barber, a Lee University counselor, said she has already received comments via phone and email, ranging from jokes like, “get someone who will bring us football” to sentimental statements like, “be sure he loves the students like Paul Conn.” She collects all input to submit to the search committee.

“I’m taking it very seriously and hoping that our students will make their voices heard,” Barber said. “I hope they take advantage of [this opportunity].”

After Conn’s successor is chosen early next year, he will assume role as Chancellor, and the new president will take office on Aug. 1, 2020.

“I will still be here working hard, in the role of Chancellor, to help the new president reach the big dreams we all have for Lee University,” said Conn. “This is the work I love, at the place I love, with the people I love. My title and position will change, but not my heart.”

Livingston said the Board will provide periodic updates on the search process whenever there is news to report. In the meantime, anyone can communicate directly with the Search Committee at presidentialsearch@leeuniversity.edu. This contact will allow anyone to offer nominations, applications, comments, or any other ideas directly to the search committee.