Ferrum's Presidential Search @ Ferrum.edu

NEW FERRUM PRESIDENT SELECTED FROM TOP FIELD OF CANDIDATES
For immediate release:	Released by: Lisa Bowling
March 12, 2002	(540) 365-4307 lbowling@ferrum.edu
When Dr. Jennifer L. Braaten was selected as Ferrum College’s first woman and 10th president, she was chosen from an exceptional field of candidates. Braaten, a front-runner from the beginning, was a standout in a group, which boasted prominent leaders in higher education. Professor of English and search committee member, Dr. Jody D. Brown says, “The search attracted a large number of very qualified candidates. At every stage the committee talked with its first choices…I was pleased that so many well-qualified applicants see the same record of achievement and potential for further accomplishments for Ferrum College as faculty, staff, and students.” Eighty candidates, composed of 70 (87.5%) men and 10 (12.5%) women, formally applied for the position. In the candidate pool, 91 % or 73 applicants held a doctorate. Of the total applicants, 14 (17.5%) were current or former presidents, 20 (25%) are currently chief academic officers, 14 (17.5%) were vice presidents of other divisions, three (3.75%) are consortium heads, and 29 (36.25%) held various other positions. Braaten was invited to the search process by Dr. Bruce T. Alton, senior consultant for Academic Search Consultation Service (ASCS), of Washington, DC. According to the company’s website, it “is the oldest and largest firm in the nation dedicated exclusively to assisting colleges and universities in searches for presidents, chancellors, and senior academic officers.” The firm was retained for its expertise in serving Methodist and small colleges. Alton, who has consulted in more than 90 presidential searches, states, “We are selected more often, I think, because, over 25 years of practice we have built a search process that is uniquely suited to higher education, rather than using a ‘corporate’ model that is imposed on the academy.” A search piece developed by ASCS and the search committee outlines the ideal candidate as holding the following qualifications: • A respected academic, giving evidence of commitment to both teaching and scholarship; • An experienced administrator, managing effectively personnel, financial, and physical resources; • An articulate spokesperson, able to communicate the vision and assets of the College; • A civic leader, believing in the importance of relationships between colleges and the communities that surround them; • A fund-raiser, understanding, conveying, and capitalizing on the wonderful opportunities provided others in the provision of philanthropic support; • A liberally educated person, with experience and belief in the critical role played by church-related institutions in the tapestry of American higher education; • A planner, confident in the ability of community-based strategic initiatives to achieve positive organizational objectives; • A visionary, viewing the many and varied demands of the presidency from multiple and creative perspectives; and • An individual, and family as appropriate, comfortable in the beauteous surroundings of this rural, mountainous region of southwestern Virginia.
	According to Board President Mr. William Bales, “Dr. Braaten brings to Ferrum a great deal of insight as to issues facing our institution. She has been a president of a college, and we believe that she understands the challenges that face schools like Ferrum. Dr. Braaten will have strong support from the Trustees to address the concerns and issues facing Ferrum, and she can expect a close working relationship with the Chair and Executive Committee of the Board.”Brown also believes Braaten is well-suited to the role, stating, “From the conversations the search committee had both with Dr. Braaten and her references, she understands teaching and the centrality of teaching to the undergraduate experience…. She observed that ‘faculty are people who think otherwise’ and expressed appreciation for that ability to bring other questions to discussions. I am confident that such an attitude will mobilize the energy and talents of the Ferrum College faculty.” Jay Greeley, Student Government Association president, agrees, “She was selected not only because she was well qualified but also because of her charismatic personality that energized each of the students that she came in contact with here at Ferrum. She is definitely bringing a new sense of hope, energy, and enthusiasm.”
“Dr. Braaten is imminently qualified to lead any higher education institution,” relates Bales, “We are delighted with the College’s choice and wait in great anticipation of her arrival.” “To lead Ferrum is a calling. To be selected from a pool of colleagues, whom I understand are exceptionally qualified through their experience and education, is truly an honor.” Braaten continues, pledging, “I will strive to offer only my best--in trust to a College which deserves nothing less.” Ferrum College is a four-year, private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Ferrum offers a choice of nationally recognized bachelor’s degree programs at a cost well below the national average for private colleges. To learn more, call 1-800-868-9797 or visit www.ferrum.edu. # # # RELATED SITES: Announcement Release & Links Online www.ferrum.edu/presidentialsearch/announcement.html Biographical Sketch of Dr. Braaten www.ferrum.edu/presidentialsearch/braatenbackground.html Downloadable jpeg of Dr. Braaten www.ferrum.edu/presidentialsearch/braaten.jpg Search Firm’s Web Address www.academic-search.org United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry www.gbhem.org Ferrum Announces 10th President Ferrum Chooses A Different Path In The Search For A President Braaten Background Ferrum President-Elect Meets Former World Leader