Visionary and Strategic Leadership

Webster University has launched a global search for the next Chancellor, who will lead the University boldly into the 2030s while honoring the mission and values of the 109-year-old institution.

The Chancellor Search Prospectus contains information for candidates, including an overview of the University, as well as the qualifications for the role.

To ensure the search is inclusive and transparent, this webpage will house updates on the search process.

 

Leadership Profile

 

CHANCELLOR SEARCH PROSPECTUS (PDF)

 

Inquiries, nominations and expressions of interest should be sent to webster@russellreynolds.com. Candidates are required to submit a curriculum vitae.

Though all materials will be reviewed, those received by March 15 will be given priority consideration.

Webster Hall

Webster University Chancellor Search Committee

  • Gay Burns, MBA ’94 – Co-Vice Chair, Board of Trustees; Search Committee Lead
  • Mike Claiborne – Board Trustee
  • Nathan Coleman, BA ’17, BM ’17, MM ’20 – Webster Staff Alliance Chair; Coordinator, Office of the Dean, Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts; Adjunct Faculty
  • Alicia Elsner – Board Trustee
  • Rayna Friedman, BA ’23, MBA ’26 – President, Student Government Association
  • Laura Herring, BA ’70 – Former Board Trustee
  • Stuart Chapman Hill, PhD – Associate Professor of Music; Director of Music Education, Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts; Vice President, Faculty Senate
  • Michael R. Hulsizer, PhD – Dean, College of Science and Health
  • Daniel Lisella, BS ’04 – President, Alumni Board of Directors
  • Greg Malone, MA ’19 – Chief Information Officer; Adjunct Faculty
  • Lisa Melandri – Board Trustee
  • John Nickel BA, ’75 – Board Trustee
  • Julie “J.P.” Palmer, PhD – Professor of Management, George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology; President, Faculty Senate
  • Atul Sharma – Board Trustee
  • Charles Stucke – Board Trustee



Webster University Chancellor Search Updates

The following message was posted in the Webster Today newsletter and sent to faculty and staff on Feb. 10 on behalf of Gay Burns, who is leading the search committee:

Thank you to the 800-plus individuals who participated in the needs survey regarding the Chancellor responsibilities and capabilities. The search committee has finalized the job profile, identifying the highest priority needs, and it is posted on the University's website. The search is currently underway, and the committee looks forward to providing an update on the progress in a few weeks. If you would like to nominate someone for this opportunity, please send submissions to ​webster@russellreynolds.com. 

The following message from the search committee leader, Gay Burns, has been shared with Webster University faculty, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders:

Thank you to the over 800 people who participated in the January survey that asked about the needs and expectations for the next Webster University Chancellor. The findings from the survey were combined with in-person feedback from faculty, staff, students, alumni and trustees from domestic and international campuses.

The feedback was used to develop the job description and will be used to assess candidates. The search committee is pleased with the interest shown in the opportunity by talented candidates from a variety of backgrounds. The committee will begin the interviewing phase of the search in the spring with the goal of announcing the Chancellor by this summer. 

I am also pleased to share with you that the top 5-7 responses to the survey questions were quite consistent among our stakeholder groups when asked the following three questions:

  • What do you see as the top priorities for the next Chancellor?  
    • Articulate a vision and strategy for the University’s future.
    • Secure the University’s financial strength and future.
    • Recruit, develop and retain talented faculty and staff.
    • Improve the University’s reputation and rankings – regionally, nationally and internationally.
    • Enhance the student experience and enrollment.
  • What do you see as the most important experience candidates must have?
    • Ability to successfully collaborate with faculty and staff.
    • Managing a complex organization with some experience turning around organizations.
    • Higher education leadership. (The source of this leadership was not deemed as critical if other capabilities exist and the candidates have a strong understanding of higher education.)
    • Financial acumen.
    • International experience and global mindset.
  • What are the most important qualities for the next Chancellor to demonstrate?
    • Transparent, approachable, collaborative, consultative and thoughtful leader. Humble servant-leader. High emotional intelligence.
    • Highest integrity and strong moral compass.
    • Visionary and strategic leadership.
    • Stellar communication skills, including writing, public speaking, critical feedback and active listening.
    • Financial management acumen.

Again, thank you to everyone who met to provide feedback or participated in our stakeholder survey. Your input will make a difference in our pursuit to select the best candidate to lead Webster University.

Gay Burns
Webster Board Trustee Co-Vice Chair and Search Committee Leader