Manchester seeks candidates for 16th president

Manchester University has launched a nationwide search for its 16th president.

Dave Haist, chair of the 21-person search committee, shared his enthusiasm for the initial activities of the committee. “Our search committee has already met multiple times to consider the leadership skills and characteristics needed for our next president.  This is a special time for growth and strength in Manchester’s history.  We are confident that there will be considerable interest in this position and that our 16th  president can continue to build on the distinctive Manchester education that has been provided for years.”  

Haist, Manchester Class of 1973, is a member of the Board of Trustees and retired executive vice president and COO of Do it Best Corp.

Academic Search is assisting the search committee. Applications, nominations and expressions of interest may be submitted in confidence to ManchesterPresident@academicsearch.org. When submitting a nomination, include the nominee’s name and contact information.

Applications must include a curriculum vitae and a substantive cover letter that addresses the expectations discussed in the leadership agenda. For full consideration, applications must be received by Feb. 20, 2023.

Confidential conversations about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting Senior Consultant Stuart Dorsey at stuart.dorsey@academicsearch.org or Haist at mupresidentsc@gmail.com.

The committee anticipates recommending the 16th president to the Board of Trustees in spring of 2023.

The search committees include representatives from across the University community, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members and board members.

“This is an exciting and important time for Manchester, as we search for our next president and continue to live into our new strategic plan,” said John Gilmore, chair of the Board of Trustees.  “We are committed to finding the right person to continue Manchester's tradition of excellence in teaching in the liberal arts and sciences, preparing our students for meaningful work and service upon graduation.” Gilmore is a 1974 Manchester alumnus and spent most of his career in higher education.  

The current president, Dave McFadden, will retire June 30, 2023, after nearly 30 years with Manchester, nine as president.

Manchester, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Indiana, serves 1,300 students from 21 states and four countries.  It recently committed to a $20 million expansion at Manchester Fort Wayne. 

Students at the independent institution rooted in the liberal arts and sciences are served by nearly 60 undergraduate faculty, 35 health sciences faculty and 200 staff. 

Founded in 1889 by the Church of the Brethren, a historic peace church, Manchester values learning, faith, service, integrity, diversity and community.

Manchester is guided by its Mission Statement: Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

The president is supported by a seven-member cabinet, including vice presidents for academic affairs, advancement, enrollment and marketing, financial affairs, and student life; the dean of pharmacy and health sciences and Manchester University Fort Wayne; and the president's executive assistant.

The University is governed by a 30-member Board of Trustees, including the president, organized into executive, educational quality, institutional vitality, outreach, student life, DEI, governance, and audit committees. It also has a health science initiatives task force.

For the media
Information about the presidential search and Manchester is available at Manchester University | Leadership - Presidential Search.

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December 2022