The Provost Advisory Search Committee began actively reviewing candidates for the post earlier this month.
The current provost, Dr. Gary Schuster, announced his decision to step down in Oct. The committee will invite finalists to campus later in the spring for an extensive interview process.
The new provost would ideally take up the post at the start of the next academic year which begins in July so as to prepare for the Fall semester.
The search committee was formed last semester and consists of faculty, staff and student representatives. They interviewed several executive search firms to aid in the search, and identify a wide variety of candidates.
The committee chose R. William Funk & Associates, a professional search firm that also assisted in the Presidential search last year and the Ivan Allen College Dean search.
“We chose to use the services of an executive search firm because of the critical importance of this position. We selected R. William Funk and Associates after interviewing three top search firms. We were very impressed by Bill Funk’s knowledge, expertise and experience,” said Dean Steve Salbu, the chair of the committee.
The search firm will work with the committee to identify candidates receive applications for the post, but will not have a direct role in the selection of candidates.
“They use their contacts and outreach to develop and cultivate the broadest, most diverse possible pool of top candidates for the position. They assist us with the interview process itself, and provide guidance and expertise to the committee as needed,” said Salbu.
According to Salbu, a candidate for the post must have experience in a discipline represented within the Institute, and ten or more years combined experience in higher education administration, instruction and research.
“We seek to identify people with great vision, who have successful leadership experience at a research-intensive university. Someone who understands the complex operations and dynamics of a top research-intensive university,” Salbu said.
Off-site interviews will be conducted in mid-April to narrow the pool of applicants. Campus interviews will be held in early May. The final selection will be made in early June by the President.
“The position of Provost at Georgia Tech is a very attractive one to potential candidates. President Peterson and the search committee are confident that this opportunity will attract a very talented and accomplished pool of prospects and applicants,” Salbu said.