Kent State University Starts Search For Next President

KENT, OH — Kent State University officials have started a national search for departing President Beverly Warren's replacement. Warren has served the university for five years and will step down July 1, 2019.

“The university is well positioned to continue its strong upward trajectory – enrolling the nation’s top students, graduating record numbers and embarking on a transformational 10-year master plan,” said Board Chair Ralph Della Ratta. “Our new president will take the reins of a university community with tremendous momentum and growing academic success."

The search for Kent State's next president will be led by Board Vice Chair Shawn Riley. The Presidential Search Committee will be made up of faculty, students, administrators, trustees, alumni, and community members. The committee's members should be finalized and announced next week.

To aid the committee, the Board has hired Russell Reynolds Associates, an executive search firm. The university is also launching a presidential search website, with an online survey for Kent State community members to offer feedback, thoughts, advice and commentary. The website will be updated throughout the search process, the university said in a statement.

“The Board of Trustees is committed to pursuing a search that yields the very best outcome – an accomplished, visionary and inspirational president to lead Kent State to its brightest future,” Della Ratta continued. “As always, the university will continue to abide by all applicable laws while seeking outstanding candidates to serve as our university’s next president.”

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