Published: April 03, 2008 04:59 pm            

TRIBUNE-STAR EDITORAL: Good decision to reopen ISU’s presidential search

TERRE HAUTE — The most recent turn of events in the ongoing search for a new president at Indiana State University is undoubtedly disappointing to both the ISU community and the community at-large. University officials announced Wednesday that the search had been reopened because one of two remaining finalists had withdrawn from consideration for health reasons. A third finalist, who was termed a “non-traditional” candidate, had previously withdrawn.

But in reopening the search, trustees have taken the right approach to the situation. Retaining the integrity of the search process, which calls for public identification of the finalists and visits to campus to meet faculty, staff and students, is important. Simply declaring the remaining finalist the new president would bypass that important step and could undermine campus acceptance of the new leader.

ISU Trustees President Mike Alley struck the right tone in reopening the search. “This is too important a decision to shortcut in any fashion. If we have to prolong the process a little longer, we will do so.”

President Lloyd Benjamin’s contract expires in June, so there is still time to get a new president on board before then.

        

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