NU regents seeking feedback, suggestions on search for NU president

The Executive Committee of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents is seeking feedback from members of the UNMC community and the public after selecting Isaacson, Miller, a leading national executive search firm, to assist the board in its search for the next NU president.

Current President James B. Milliken will be leaving NU at the end of April to become chancellor of the City University of New York.












Chancellor to host tea for Milliken



The campus is invited to attend a farewell tea for University of Nebraska President J.B. Milliken on Monday, March 17, from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Linder Reading Room (second floor of the Sorrell Center). President Milliken announced he would be leaving Nebraska to become the next chancellor of the City University of New York, the nation’s premier urban public university. Refreshments will be provided and brief remarks will take place at 1:30 p.m.





The board has invited input from the public on the presidential search, as well as nominations of potential candidates, here. The site currently features a feedback form that may be completed and submitted to the board either electronically or by mail.

Board of Regents Chairman Howard Hawks said the Executive Committee considered proposals from 11 search firms. The principal consultant on the University of Nebraska search will be David Bellshaw, vice president and director/managing partner of Isaacson, Miller’s California office. Bellshaw also served as principal consultant in the recent search for the new UNMC chancellor.

Isaacson, Miller’s standard fee is one-third of the total compensation paid to the hired candidate for his or her first year of employment. However, given the firm’s relationship with the University of Nebraska, Isaacson, Miller has agreed to a flat fee of $130,000 for the presidential search, plus reimbursements for direct expenses (such as travel, lodging and meals associated with the interviewing process) and $14,300 (11 percent of the professional fee) for indirect expenses related to the support of the search committee process, creation and distribution of search materials, candidate communication, and internal research and administration.

Isaacson, Miller will develop a position description and ideal candidate profile for the next president, including – upon input from members of the university community and the public – desired qualifications, characteristics and experience of the university’s next leader and the challenges and opportunities facing that individual. The firm also will help to identify, recruit and screen potential candidates.

Hawks said that the final selection of the next president will be made by the full Board of Regents following public forums and university visits by finalists that will provide opportunities for faculty, students, key constituents and others to meet the individuals and provide feedback to the board.