The University of Wisconsin System is continuing the process of filling chancellor positions for three UW campuses, with UW-River Falls expected to announce their finalists within the next two weeks.

UW-River Falls, UW-Parkside and UW-Green Bay began the search process after their current chancellors decided to take positions at other universities.

“In these cases, our chancellors were recruited away by other universities. We have some very talented, capable leaders in the UW System,” said UW System spokesperson David Giroux. “Because our leaders are similarly known for their success and strong reputations, when other universities have vacancies, they frequently come knocking on our doors to lure our people away.”

According to James Madsen, search and screen committee chair for UW-River Falls, the initial search process began in June 2008. Job descriptions were developed based on the specific needs and constituencies for each campus.

“Usually there isn’t going to be one person who can match all of the requirements that we are looking for, so the challenge is to decide which person can serve the needs of the most people and best move the institution forward,” Madsen said.

Madsen said because chancellors do not have fixed terms, the need to fill chancellor positions is constantly in flux.

According to Giroux, the need to conduct chancellor searches has occurred too often as of late. Giroux said that with 14 chancellors in the UW System, a high turnover rate is to be expected. But each search is a labor intensive and competitive process.

“When we talk about recruiting chancellors and retaining them, it’s not just about putting someone behind a desk,” Giroux said. “It’s about finding someone who will provide the right leadership and capable management to make sure that they are doing all they can to maintain a high quality of life on campus.”

Giroux added that in the search for new chancellors, the committees must “keep their eye on the end goal” and find individuals who will be able to meet the needs and standards of the UW System.

Madsen said for UW-River Falls, the final five candidates will have the opportunity to visit the campus in late November to better gauge what needs and responsibilities have to be addressed.

“Mostly, the role here is to give the candidates a chance to see what the campus and community are like and also for people in the community to see the candidates and provide feedback,” Madsen added.

According to Giroux, the chancellor search and screen process is important because of the vital role chancellors play on campus, adding the primary role of a chancellor is to provide management when “times get tough.”

He added because of the difficult economic conditions at present, it is especially important that the committees find individuals capable of making the appropriate decisions to keep quality high.

Madsen said despite time constraints, the search processes have gone well and the committees are drawing from a “good pool” of candidates.

Concerning his expectations for the future chancellors, Giroux said he hopes they are “ready to hit the ground running.”

The next UW-River Falls chancellor will replace Don Betz who left to become president of Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.

UW-Green Bay and UW-Parkside searches are ongoing, and finalists are yet to be determined.