Dear University Community,

As the co-chairs of the Provost Search Committee, we write to provide an update on behalf of the search committee on how the search process is unfolding thus far. As you know, the University of Delaware is seeking a distinguished scholar and experienced administrator to become its next Provost. UD is partnering with WittKeiffer on the search. The process started with a series of open listening sessions last spring. Conversations were structured around three themes: the opportunities and challenges for the new provost; a description of the experience, credentials, skills and personal qualities that you value; and the main reasons individuals would want to pursue this role.

Thank you to all who participated. Your feedback led to the development of a comprehensive leadership profile that provides our collective vision of the leadership qualities needed to guide our academic enterprise into the future.

We are excited to let you know that we have had a robust response to this search which has yielded an exceptionally strong pool of candidates who are citing the strength of UD's academic profile, our balance of teaching and research excellence, and the opportunity to partner with President Carlson in shaping the next chapter of the institution as key attracting factors.

We have now completed our initial review of all applications and will be conducting preliminary interviews in the coming weeks. After that step, we will narrow the field to a finalist cohort for deeper evaluation later in the fall, with an anticipated decision before the close of the semester.

We will continue to keep you informed as we move through the search process.

You can find the roster of the search committee and other information related to the search, including the position profile, on the Provost Search Homepage.

Best regards,

Gregory Hicks and Michael Chajes
Provost Search Committee Co-Chairs