The body overseeing the search for MUN’s next president insists no decisions have been made on the selection process this time around.
Memorial University’s Board of Regents is responsible for leading the search, and eventually choosing the next president following a recommendation from the search committee.
Last week, the board announced it had approved the search using external consultants to narrow down the best candidates for the committee to choose from.
MUN’s faculty association has taken issue with that, saying the outside firm should be limited to collecting information needed to assess potential candidates, and expressing concern about a closed or private process.
But Board of Regents chairman Glenn Barnes notes the committee, which includes four MUNFA members, unanimously agreed to use a so-called headhunting firm, adding there’s still much to decide.
Vice President Lisa Browne, President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Neil Bose, and chair of the Board of Regents, Glenn Barnes.
“One of the next pieces really, once we get that consultant in place, is the committee needs to make a decision in terms of what the process will look like,” he said.
“There’s been lots of discussion already about what’s the best process for Memorial — open, closed, somewhere in between, a hybrid — but those decisions have not been made yet.”
Barnes says while he understands the desire for a public process, there are concerns it could dissuade the best candidates from offering themselves for the job, which comes with a half-a-million-dollar salary.
“Would this be an entirely secretive process, or should there be public presentations by candidates, or short-listed candidates,” he mused.
“What is the best path forward to make sure we have the broadest and best pool, and that we don’t scare off some candidates who, if they know it’s public, may not apply because they fear their current employers will know they they’re looking for other employment.”
While some of the process remains unclear, Barnes provided assurances that there will be provincewide consultations.
MUN’s presidential search has come under greater scrutiny in light of the recent departure of former president Vianne Timmons regarding her controversial claims of Indigenous ancestry.
Barnes says while the same general search process will be followed, it will likely involve a deeper dive.
“I have no doubt that that process will be followed again this time and maybe stronger than last time, I have no doubt about that,” he said.
Neil Bose took over the presidency one year ago following Timmons’ departure.
