Frequently Asked Questions

Who selects Auburn’s next president? Who makes the final decision?

The President is selected and appointed by, and shall serve at the pleasure of, the Board of Trustees. Appointment to the office of the University President shall be by the Board of Trustees, who shall also fix the terms and conditions of the University President’s employment in the sole discretion of the Board of Trustees and as further outlined in the Trustee bylaws and the Constitution of the State of Alabama.

Who are the members of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee and how were they selected?

In accordance with the Board of Trustees’ bylaws and policies, the Board has created a Presidential Search Advisory Committee. The 22-member advisory committee is chaired by Trustee Sarah Newton, long time educator and member of the Auburn Board of Trustees. The members of the advisory committee are listed on the presidential search website.

What is the role of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee?

The charge of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, aided by Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC, is to recruit and vet applications from a diverse group of well-qualified candidates; select and interview applicants; and provide a group of candidates to Presidential Search Chairman Wayne Smith. The Presidential Search Advisory Committee abides by strict confidentiality as it relates to the names of the applicants.

What qualifications or experience are required for candidates interested in the position of President?

The leadership profile and position criteria will be developed from the input received from the listening sessions, comments and emails sent through the Presidential Search Website, as well as comments from the 22-member Presidential Search Advisory Committee and the executive search firm.

What is the role of the executive search firm?

Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC was selected to assist with recruiting presidential candidates. Greenwood/Asher is a woman-led firm with a diverse recruiting and consulting team. The search firm has almost 30 years of experience with executive searches, including president and chancellor searches. They will assist the committee in gathering input to create a presidential leadership profile, assist with the listening sessions, identify and reach out to potential candidates and conduct research and due diligence on candidates.

What is the timeline of the search?

Selecting a president is one of the most important decisions that any university board of trustees makes. President Gogue announced at the June 2021 Board meeting that the search should commence for the institution’s next president. The process began in July 2021 with the selection of the search firm and the Presidential Search Advisory Committee was announced on Sept. 1. The Board is using a phased approach. As of now, there is no set timetable for the completion of this search. The Board is dedicated to being diligent, yet expeditious in selecting Auburn’s 21st president.

Will the Search Committee seek a diverse pool of candidates for the position of President?

Yes. The Presidential Search Advisory Committee is committed to actively seeking a diverse pool of exceptional candidates. Greenwood/Asher & Associates, LLC was retained to assist with recruiting presidential candidates. The Presidential Search Advisory Committee and the Board of Trustees are actively seeking input from internal and external diverse stakeholders concerning who should be Auburn’s next President.

When will the finalists for the position be announced? Why is confidentiality important in a presidential search process?

The Presidential Search Advisory Committee is committed to transparency and ongoing communications during the process. However, a presidential search by its very nature must be a highly confidential process as a confidential search affords the university the ability to recruit from the broadest pool of talented leaders. Many candidates will hold executive positions at their current institution or organization. The Presidential Search Advisory Committee must not jeopardize a candidate’s current position. The final selection of Auburn’s next president will be voted upon in a Board of Trustees’ meeting that is open to the public.

Will there be opportunities for input from the Auburn Family?

Yes. Feedback and comments on what Auburn should seek in its 21st president are an essential component of the search process. Eight listening sessions were scheduled for students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and any other internal or external stakeholder who has thoughts about Auburn’s next president.

What if I have additional questions or comments for the search firm or committee?

Suggestions and comments for the Presidential Search Advisory Committee or search firm can be sent to presidentialsearch@auburn.edu.

Will feedback submitted to presidentialsearch@auburn.edu be posted on the website so everyone has access to this information?

No. Comments or recommendations sent to the search email address are considered confidential and will only be shared with the Presidential Search Advisory Committee and the search firm.

Where can I find updates on the progression of the search?

The presidential search website is the official source for news and information related to the search. Updates will be posted regularly on the presidential search website.

Last updated: October 12, 2021