For Release September 23
Regents Appoint Advisory Committee for USD Presidential Search
PIERRE-In a special meeting last week in Pierre, the Board of Regents appointed a nine-member panel to advise the Board in the selection of a new president for the University of South Dakota.
Board President Karl Wegner and Regent David Gienapp, who chairs the Board's Search and Screen Committee, announced the names of nine people representing a range of constituencies at the University to advise the committee as it narrows the field of applicants. The advisory panel includes: Drs. Frank Slagle and Elizabeth Todd-Bazemore, representing the faculty; Arts and Sciences Dean John Day, representing administration; Ann Raebel Turner, representing alumni; Richard Grasser, representing the USD Foundation; Sarah Johnson and Jeff Thuringer, representing students; Elaine Pearson, representing exempt employees; and Carleen McNeely, representing Career Service Employees.
Regent Gienapp thanked panel members for agreeing to serve, stating, "The Board appreciates your willingness to be a part of the process, in spite of your hectic schedules. The advisory committee plays an extremely important role in presidential selections, providing perspective and feedback that aids the Board in its ultimate decision."
The USD presidency was vacated by Betty Turner Asher, who resigned June 30. The search process for her replacement is now underway, and is expected to wrap up by mid-March. Dr. Paul Olscamp, former president of Bowling Green State University in Ohio, is serving as USD's interim president.