1. Two candidates are both from the University of Wisconsin System
Wright State has named three presidential finalists, and two of them have already visited the university. University of Wisconsin-Platteville Chancellor Dennis Shields, who has served in the role since 2010, visited WSU last week. The second candidate, University of Wisconsin-Parkside Chancellor Deborah Ford, is on campus this week.
2. Shields has experience in dealing with severe financial problems
“We have faced similar revenue reductions in Wisconsin,” Shields wrote in his cover letter. “I have lead UW-P at a time when tuition has been frozen for four years. We have felt the burden of the largest reduction in state support in the history of the University of Wisconsin System.”
3. Wright State will need a candidate with experience in managing budgetary issues
Wright State officials have been looking for budget solutions as the university’s unrestricted reserve fund has dropped from more than $100 million in 2012 to $12.9 million as of June 30. Wright State also announced it would lay off 23 employees in October.
4. Ford has background with skilled workforce development, student affairs
Deborah Ford, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, spoke today with staff members at a forum Monday morning, and gave the crowd an opportunity to ask questions about her leadership experience in higher education.
5. Wright State President David Hopkins will retire this year
Hopkins, 67, will retire when his contract expires later this year. He is the sixth president of the university, and his tenure began in 2007.
Staff writer Max Filby contributed to this report.
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