CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Who will be Clarion University’s next president?

That is the burning question that will be answered following what is expected to be a lengthy national search led by the Clarion University Presidential Search Committee and AGB Search, a Washington, D.C.-based firm specializing in higher education executive searches.

The committee, as prescribed by the State System’s presidential search policy, includes Trustees Milissa Bauer, Susanne Burns, and Donna Oberlander, College of Business and Information Sciences Dean Dr. Phil Frese, various faculty members and employees, constituents, alumni, and others within the university.

Consultant Dr. Garry Owens, who has previously worked with Clarion University, will guide the selection process.

The final decision will be in the hands of the 20-member State System Board of Governors who will interview the final two candidates and then select the university’s 17th president.

Earlier this year, Karen Whitney announced her intent to retire as Clarion’s president in June 2018. Instead, she left the post in September to serve as interim chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education following Chancellor Frank T. Brogan’s retirement.

Interim provost & vice-president of academic affairs, Dr. Todd Pfannestiel, is currently serving as acting president at Clarion University. Pfannestiel is not currently a candidate for the position, as State System regulations prohibit the eligibility of acting or interim university presidents.

Clarion’s next president is expected to take office in the summer of 2018.

(Photos courtesy Clarion University)