Presidential Search Committee News
July 26, 2012
Nominations for president are now closed. A list of those who have agreed to allow their names stand for nomination is posted here.
The Search Committee is grateful to all the congregations and authorized agencies for their help in submitting nominations.
It should be pointed out that the list that is now posted is simply a list of nominees. It is not a list of finalists for this position. The purpose of this listing is to solicit comments, in keeping with synodical bylaws, regarding strengths or concerns the public may have concerning the qualifications of these nominees. This list is also published in the August Reporter and the September Lutheran Witness. Comments must be received by September 19 to be considered.
In an earlier news update we listed four phases to the search process:
PREPARATION: February 10, 2012 – June 30
NOMINATION: April 1 – June 30
SCREENING: July 16, 2012 – February 2013
ELECTION: February 2013
We are now moving from the nomination phase to the screening phase, but we are at the very beginning of that phase. In the weeks ahead, the Search Committee will evaluate the nominees on the basis of the criteria set forth by the Board of Regents and the characteristics that emerged as important in surveys and listening forums conducted with various constituencies such as students, faculty and staff. The results of that evaluation, together with all pertinent documents, will be presented to the Board of Regents prior to its September 21 meeting. The Board will then decide which nominees it wants to send on for approval by the Synodical Approval Panel, consisting of the President of the Synod, the Chairman of the Concordia University System Board of Directors, and the President of the Atlantic District. This panel, which is scheduled to meet with us on campus in early October, cannot add any names, but it can remove names by a two-thirds vote of the panel. It is from this final, approved list of nominees that the Board of Regents, after further evaluation, will select a final short list of candidates for on campus interviews with the Board and forums with the campus community. The final election of our new president will take place in February of 2013. For a condensed timetable, see our Timeline.
The Search Committee has been working steadily throughout the Summer on criteria for evaluation, assembly of nominee materials, and further definition of process. As we now move into the evaluation phase, we foresee a return to weekly meetings in order to give a thorough review to the materials submitted by each candidate.
Please continue to keep the work of the Search Committee in your prayers as we seek God’s guidance in this process of discernment.
May 28, 2012
The search process for Concordia’s next president is now well into the nomination phase. Congregations are reminded that the deadline for receiving nominations is June 30, 2012. This must be a firm date because of deadlines associated with publication required by LCMS bylaws. Instructions for submitting a nomination may be found at http://www.concordia-ny.edu/who_we_are/presidential_search/nominations.htm
Individuals should also note that the bylaws of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod do not allow for the submission of nominations by individuals. That must be done through a congregation or one of the other agencies listed in the Call for Nominations.
Prior to the end of the school year the Search Committee continued to refine the institutional needs and the qualifications for the next president through a series of listening forums conducted with students, faculty and staff. A thorough briefing and related discussion also took place at the Board of Regents May meeting. The committee also carefully reviewed the report of the Transitional Review Team of the Concordia University System, which met on campus the week of April 23.
The next big milestone will be the close of nominations on June 30 and the publication of the names of those who have accepted nomination beginning sometime in mid July. Upon publication of the list of nominees, opportunity will be given to submit correspondence related to the nominees.
The committee continues to meet—at this point usually biweekly—to review nominations, work on candidate criteria, and further define the selection process. Your prayers are much desired and your continued input is welcomed. See input section of website: http://www.concordia-ny.edu/who_we_are/presidential_search/input.htm
April 2012
Upon the announcement by Dr. Viji George that he would step down as Concordia’s president effective June 2013, the Board of Regents immediately appointed a Search Committee with a clear mandate.
Since that time, the committee has met almost weekly to address the task before it, which consists of four phases (See the condensed timeline for more details):
PREPARATION: February 10, 2012 – June 30
NOMINATION: April 1 – June 30
SCREENING: July 16, 2012 – February, 2013
ELECTION: February, 2013
Most of the committee’s attention has been devoted to the work of preparing procedures, schedules, processes and other important foundational concerns. Among the actions taken to date are the following:
- Authorization requested by the search committee and approved by the Concordia University System to begin the search process, announce a Call for Nominations and request a visit by a CUS transition review team.
- Initial survey conducted of constituent groups to determine importance of qualifications and skills of the next president.
- Committee chair met with faculty and senior staff to review process and address concerns.
- Web site developed to keep constituent groups and the public informed of developments and to request input.
- The committee sought out and held on site consultations with Dr. Alan Borcherding (Interim President, Concordia University System) and Dr. Carl Schoenbeck, who chaired a similar committee at Concordia, St. Paul.
- Developed criteria for Call for Nominations.
- Developed nominee information forms, procedural policies, response letters, preliminary position description, and numerous other preparatory documents..
- Initiated work on additional surveys and forums.
- Initiated work on developing our needs statement and the screening process.
As of April 1, 2012, we move into the nomination phase, while continuing many of the tasks of preparation, including campus forums, surveys, and further development of the search process. The following events are planned for April:
- Call for Nominations was issued on April 1. It appears on our web site and is published in The Lutheran Witness and the Reporter. Congregations, the Faculty of Concordia—NY, the Board of Regents of Concordia—NY and the Board of the Concordia University System may nominate candidates according to the procedures outlined on the Call for Nomination section of the web site. The bylaws of Synod do not permit nominations from individuals. Individuals must work through one of the appropriate groups above.
- A transitional review team from the Concordia University System will visit the campus and meet with various people and groups during the week of April 23. This visit will further help us to assess our needs.
- A focus group for students will be held on April 23 to gain input from the student population regarding skills and qualities sought in a president and future directions of Concordia.
Input from all sources is welcome. Contact information may be found on the input section of the web site.
February 2012
On February 10, 2012, Dr. Viji D. George announced that he will step down from the presidency of Concordia College, Bronxville, NY, effective June 30, 2013. “Periodic changes in leadership breathe new vision and direction into the life of an institution,” Dr. George said. “After 14 years in my post, I believe that it is the right time for a transition.”
“Dr. George has contributed enormously to the success that Concordia has enjoyed for more than the past decade, and we will miss his leadership,” said Concordia’s Board Chair Jean Hanson. “We will be extremely sorry to see him go, but we understand and respect his decision.”
Dr. George was elected Concordia’s president in April 1999, after serving almost 20 years on the faculty as a professor of psychology. During his presidency, the 130-year-old Lutheran college experienced steady growth. Operating revenues more than doubled, and enrollment grew by 44 percent. Under Dr. George’s direction, the College received several of the largest gifts and grants in its history, added its first graduate degree program in special education, and launched a highly acclaimed nursing program. The College invested strategically in its facilities, including a recent $5.6 million state-of-the-art energy savings project. Dr. George also spearheaded initiatives that strengthened the ties of the College with the local community through programs like the Business Breakfast series and Travel and Learn trips to India and elsewhere.
“I believe that Concordia is at a very healthy place, and it is time for a new president who can build on our successes,” said Dr. George.
Concordia’s Board of Regents has appointed a search committee of regents, faculty and staff to coordinate the selection of a new president. “Concordia is a very special institution and finding the right person to be Concordia’s ninth president is the Board’s top priority,” said Ms. Hanson, who has been a Bronxville resident for 30 years. “Concordia has a proud heritage. The Board and all those associated with Concordia, including faculty and staff, take immense pride in the role Concordia plays in the lives of the students as well as Concordia’s place in the community. We look forward to continuing the long and successful traditions of Concordia well into the future.”
Dr. George has no immediate career plans. “For now, I am focused on making sure that the presidential transition proceeds smoothly and meets with a successful conclusion in 2013.”
Dr. George and his family have spent over 30 years in the Bronxville community. Dr. George’s wife Janet is a Concordia graduate, and co-founder and co-owner of The Silk Road, an international home and apparel boutique in Bronxville.
Concordia is one of ten institutions nationwide comprising the Concordia University System of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
President Dr. Viji D. George's Speech To College Community
Delivered on February 10, 2012
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens” begins the familiar passage from Ecclesiastes. This morning, Janet and I want you to know that the time has come for us to take leave from the place where our hearts have been firmly rooted for over three decades. Yesterday, I informed the Regents that I will be stepping down from the Presidency in June of 2013.
Human experience teaches us that time and place affix meaningful memories in our personal consciousness. This very chapel, at a time so long ago, was the place where Janet and I decided to spend our lives together. In this place, we brought into the world our two most precious possessions—Sarah and Emilie—and watched them become the wonderful young women they are today. This place has been where we’ve tasted life’s immense joy; but it is also here where we’ve experienced our deepest sorrows. While here, I lost two best friends: Bob Hennig and Dave Jacobson. While here, I lost both my parents and, Janet, her father and brother. It is here where we learned what it is to love those you care for and lose those you love.
In times of transition, it is customary and tempting to reflect on our collective accomplishments. However, when I contemplate my decision to step down, I do not think about accomplishments. But instead, I see faces of people whose lives have intersected with mine. And I am reminded of the life lessons they have taught me. In Cliff Peterson, I came to know what it means to live a Christ-centered life of service and humility. Karen Bucher, Karl Buscher and Evelyn Cea showed me how to turn adversity into strength with grace and composure. Juan Zamora has taught me that the industriousness, herculean effort against odds and the desire to belong . . . of an immigrant like him enrich our lives immeasurably. There are of course too many others to name. Let me simply say, the greatest gift I take from this place are these lessons learned from the people of God.
It is said that a turtle moves forward only when it sticks its neck out. In our time together, we have taken many a risk. Some were supportive of these ventures and others were skeptical at best. This is the time and place for me to ask for your understanding and forgiveness, for any acts of commission or omission that may have offended you.
Sooner or later you might be led to ponder: Why is he leaving now? Let me unambiguously state what the reasons are not:
It is not because of a testy relationship with the Board of Regents. To the contrary, my relationship with the Regents is exemplary and I am proud of my Board, their commitment to our mission, and their faith in me. When the time comes, I will dearly miss working with them.
It is not because I am tired, running out of ideas, or dread coming to work. In other words, it is not because I have lost my passion for this college, its mission, and its future. To the contrary, I believe that this college finds favor in God’s eyes for serving as a beacon of hope and opportunity.
Then why leave now? I have maintained from the outset that a college president should not remain in office for more than 12 to 15 years. This idea finds support in the literature on higher education leadership. I believe there is a natural life cycle to institutional leadership and that periodic infusion of new blood, vision, and direction energizes and propels institutions forward on its journey of promise. My contract ends in June of 2013 and I believe that is the time for me to step aside.
What comes next? I have not found greener pastures. I am not leaving here to go elsewhere. However, I have a dance or two left on my dance card. We will remain open to opportunities that come our way and make those decisions when the time comes.
But for now, I am committed to serving out my term, and seeing the transition through to a successful conclusion. Jean Hanson, our Board Chair, will walk you through the presidential selection process. Many of us within the Concordia University System have worked diligently to shift the responsibility of selecting the new president to the local Board of Regents. This change in synodical policy puts our Board of Regents securely in the driver’s seat. For this we should be thankful.
At the end of his second term, with characteristic “chutzpah,” President Clinton said “it’s just one small step from legacy to lame duck.” I assure you that I intend to work as usual till I earn my last paycheck. In other words, I will not be “mailing it in.” Instead, I intend to be fully engaged in the day-to-day operations of the college and working actively with the Regents in making certain that this institution is positioned well for the hand-off.
The cynic, Yogi Berra, once said, “The future ain’t what it used to be!” This has not been our story at Concordia. During difficult times, God’s blessings and the benevolence of our supporters sustained us. Concordia’s future is indeed better than what it used to be. Together, over a decade ago, we righted our ship and set sail into unchartered waters. I am confident, that with the new leader God has in mind, you will again set sail to new lands of opportunity.
On a personal note, I am reminded of the advice that Socrates gave to one of his protégés, “By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.” You know, I am a psychologist and not a philosopher…I got a good wife! Much of what I have been able to do and endure during the presidency would simply not have been possible without Janet. Her deeply held love for this college and her passion for the ministry that is embedded in our mission made her a truly worthy companion in this journey. She may be silent, but she is resolute. She may not be flashy, but she is classy. She may not seek the limelight, but makes sure that things get done right. Truth be told, she is far more likeable than I am. Without her, I know that the potholes in this journey would have unhinged me. For her enduring patience, her deep commitment to my calling, and her love without expectations, I am grateful!
In closing, I am grateful to you and to God for making this place a hard place to leave . . . though leave we must. There is however, ample time for us to adjust to the emerging realities and remain in eager anticipation for what the future holds.
Now let me ask each of you to pledge your continued support and diligence to make our Concordia a better vessel for the journey ahead. I ask that you trim her sails and steady her rudder as she is carried by fair winds to where the promise lies. Rest assured that our God of Ages, who has been with us every step of the way, will be with us for years to come. Thank you!