Seminole State panel outlines qualifications

The Seminole State College committee charged with narrowing the field of candidates for the institution’s next president is looking for applicants with a doctoral degree, preferably with teaching experience, and a strong leadership track record in a higher education institution.

Members of the committee met with their consultant, Washington, D.C.-based AGB Search, on Monday to firm up the qualifications they want in candidates to succeed current President Ann McGee. A similar group at University of Central Florida also met Monday with the consultant leading the search for its next presispend dent.

The leaders at the two key Central Florida institutions will retire next year. McGee, who has been at the helm of Seminole State since 1996, said in August she will step down at the end of July. UCF President John Hitt plans to retire June 30 after 26 years in his position.

Both schools have search committees composed of members of the Board of Trustees; employees and students; and other members of the community. They’ve both also inked contracts with consultants to help recruit and vet candidates.

Seminole State is working with AGB Search, which charges a fee of $90,000. The firm estimates the college will an additional $11,000 on advertising and consultant travel expenses, plus an additional $1,000 for each candidate brought to campus for interviews.

The search committee expects to bring top applicants in March to campus for interviews. The college’s Board of Trustees could make a final decision the following month.

UCF is working with Atlanta-based Parker Executive Search for a $150,000 fee, plus travel costs for the search consultants and top job candidates and advertising costs.

The university will post a survey to its presidential search site this week that will allow students, staff and other