Panel to search for A&M-Central Texas leader Posted On: Saturday, Nov. 21 2009 02:35 AM By Rebecca LaFlure
Killeen Daily Herald

Texas A&M University-Central Texas officials have enlisted the help of local educators, students and community members to search for a new campus leader, after Interim President Garry Ross resigned unexpectedly last week.

A 13-member committee will soon begin the lengthy process of reviewing applications and selecting a president to head the rapidly expanding university. Members will present their nominations to the A&M System board of regents at the end of March.

"We wanted the committee to be as diverse and representative of our current faculty, staff, students and community as possible so we could select the best match for us," Randy McCauley, spokesman for A&M-Central Texas, said Friday.

Tarleton State University-Central Texas transitioned into A&M-Central Texas in May. Officials expect to break ground on a new campus, located south of Killeen at the intersection of state highways 195 and 201, in fall 2010.

"It's an exciting opportunity. (The future president) gets to build a new university," McCauley said.

Frank Ashley, vice chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, will serve as the chief administrator until the board selects a temporary president.

"I will fulfill the responsibilities as the chief administrator at least until December. We're hoping to have someone else come in by Jan. 1, and then a permanent president selected in March," Ashley said Friday.

Ashley said the ideal candidate would be able to form relationships with people from all parts of the university and community, and could carry out the vision of A&M-Central Texas.

"We're looking for someone who recognizes the opportunity and privilege they have of being the first president of this new university," he said. "We need somebody with experience working not just with faculty and staff, but with the community."

Members of the search committee, selected by their peers, include: Dr. Frank Ashley, chair; Phil Adams, regent; Jim Schwertner, regent; Dr. Jerry Jones, Division of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Steve McNett, Division of Business; Dr. Ann Farris, Division of Education, Psychology and Counseling; Dr. Steve Vitucci, division director; Sarina Swindell, staff representative; Karen Gilbert, staff representative; Charles Kincaid, undergraduate student representative; Tanya Blenden, graduate student representative; Gen. Pete Taylor, TAMUCT Foundation representative; and Brenda Coley, community representative.

Contact Rebecca LaFlure at rlaflure@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7548.