As detailed in an article in the Cardinal Update late January, Saint Mary’s University engaged the search firm of Hand & Associates to help us attract a broader candidate pool for our vice president for inclusion and human dignity. The firm has deep experience and connections to diverse candidates across the country.
We have an update as progress has been made. We have interviewed three qualified finalists and have made an offer to our top candidate. We are working through the final hiring process, which we expect will be completed in the next two weeks.
As mentioned in the earlier communication, the search has taken longer than expected as we have been competing with organizations — not just higher education — across the country seeking leaders in the area of diversity and inclusion. We have remained committed to taking the time needed to find the right person for this important position.
We look forward to introducing our choice to the Saint Mary’s community, and especially to our students, soon thereafter. We are already engaging with this person, so they will have a framework from which to start before arriving.