The University of South Carolina - Aiken’s Chancellor Search Committee narrowed its 109 applicants down to Dr. Carolyn Stefanco, Dr. James Conwell, Dr. Charles Patterson and Dr. Daniel Heimmerman.
Dr. Thomas Reid, assistant mathematics professor and chair of the Chancellor Search Committee, expressed that although the remaining four candidates are not racially diverse, Academic Search ensured that diversity was sought.
Academic Search is a consulting company dedicated to identifying and developing leaders that will fit with the communities they serve. Two consultants from Academic Search advertised the position on 13 job boards, nine of which were targeted to reaching diverse groups of people like Diversity.com, AffirmativeAction.org and LatinosinHigherEd.com.
The Academic Search consultants also determined what was important to the university’s faculty, staff and students from Search Committee meetings to create a list of qualifications by which the Search Committee could taper their options:
An earned doctorate preferred, or professional equivalent or other appropriate terminal degrees from an accredited institution.
A record of being a successful relationship advocate, who will build strong connections to the campus community, the Aiken County Commission for Higher Education, local business and industry, federal, state and local legislators, the University of South Carolina leadership and beyond.
Knowledge of academic culture and the value of connecting twenty-first-century academic majors with the liberal arts traditions emphasized in [Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges] institutions.
Evidence of successful leadership experience, preferably in higher education or related fields and at increasing levels of responsibility.
A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the institution and a demonstrated record in recruiting--as well as retaining--students, faculty and staff from underrepresented groups.
Experience in fundraising, partnerships and other important external activities.
Financial acumen, including data-informed strategic planning/budgeting experience and alignment of resources with key objectives in a complex organization.
Political savviness, with understanding and skill in working with a state system of higher education, K-12 education and elected officials at all levels.
Strong public speaking, listening and writing skills that can build a connection on campus and be used as a platform to increase institutional visibility and develop reciprocal community partnerships.
Impeccable personal character, who models and drives a culture of ethics, respect, integrity and dependability.
The diversity of the Search Committee roughly reflects the demographics in both Aiken and South Carolina. In the state of South Carolina, 64.01% are White and 35.99% are non-White. In the city of Aiken, 66.1% are White and 33.9% are non-White. Of the 16 members on the Search Committee, 11 (68.75%) are White and 5 (31.25%) are non-White.
Those who have applied to jobs before may be familiar with the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) questionnaire that asks you to self-identify your race, gender, citizenship status and disability status. Applicants were asked to complete the EEO questionnaire, but due to nonresponse bias, the results are likely inaccurate. Only about 50% of applicants responded, meaning the data would not be representative of the population.
Dr. Reid concluded by saying that the decision will ultimately be up to the President of the University of South Carolina System, Bob Caslen, who has expressed that the Search Committee’s opinion will guide his ruling.
