Special Edition: University of La Verne President Search

My perspective in this search is an alumnus who cares about how The University of La Verne (ULV) will be supportive of alumni and active students in the next ten to twenty years. Also I have a perspective as an instructor who cares about the quality of the product ULV is presenting to the student customer. I am also a businessman who realizes what difficult economic conditions now and will exist in the coming years. Finally and I believe most important, the perspective of caring deeply about the ULV community (staff, trustees, students and alumni) who should demand a leader who can lead the institution aggressively for the next ten years.

Quite a tall order for a search committee and trustee board to accomplish. But it can be done. First of all I believe your choice should be an individual who is not your typical President clone. Meaning go outside the box in selecting your choice. The next ten to thirty years for ULV will be very serious indeed. Select someone who can raise money, a Capital Campaign should be initiated to raise a minimum of $100 million dollars for the institution, select a candidate who can relate to ULV's changing student diversity and who can select managers who know how to communicate, lead and have the ability to put their own personal agendas aside for the overall good of the institution. Finally do not be afraid to spend the extra money to get a candidate that will best serve this institution. There is nothing wrong with spending more on salary to get the "best" candidate for ULV.

The mission of ULV is going to change, economic and cultural demands will necessitate these changes. The President of ULV must recognize these changes and lead with a vision of the future. I also believe the Board of ULV needs to change their view of the institution and where it is in the marketplace, but that is a discussion for another day. The product ULV offers is a good product but it can be better. The search committee must recognize this and select a President who shares in this mission and can accomplish the objectives of the ULV community.


Until next time, Adios.


Claremont, CA
May 19, 2010