Presidential Search Updates
A Message from the Co-Chairs of the Presidential Search Committee
The letter below, from co-chairs Wendy Webb Williams 86F and Jose Fuentes 05F, announces the formation of Hampshire’s Presidential Search Committee. It outlines the committee’s membership, plans to engage a search firm, and a commitment to community involvement throughout the process.
Dear Hampshire Community,
Over the past few weeks, a group of trustees worked to establish the Presidential Search Committee, composed of six trustees, plus the elected staff, student, and faculty trustee members. The committee will be co-chaired by me and Wendy Webb Williams. Additionally, Secretary of the College Terry Holt will provide support.
The Presidential Search Committee is constituted as follows:
- Erik M. Benau 03F, trustee
- Elle K. Chan 87F, board vice-chair and trustee
- Jose Fuentes 05F, board chair and trustee
- Raymond Kasei F23, student-elect trustee
- Rebecca Miller, faculty trustee
- Juana M. Schurman 72F, trustee
- Cathy Smith 71F, board vice-chair and trustee
- Renee M. Sweeney, staff trustee
- Wendy W. Williams 86F, trustee
After evaluating a variety of potential paths, the committee concluded that the best way to manage a successful search process and to target the best possible pool of candidates is to hire a search firm to assist us. We received proposals last week and will be interviewing each firm to select the one that best fits our needs and aligns with our vision.
The committee recognizes that identifying and choosing Hampshire’s next president will require broad input from staff, faculty, students, and alums and we are committed to creating ample opportunities for the community to engage in this process. We will share regular updates on our progress, and we encourage you to provide ideas and feedback to the board at trustees@hampshire.edu.
We want to thank all the trustees that are serving on the committee and we look forward to working with the board and the community to successfully find the next president to lead the College. Thank you all for the work you do to make Hampshire the special place it is.
Sincerely,
Wendy Webb Williams 86F and Jose Fuentes 05F
Co-chairs, Presidential Search Committee