Billy Jenkinson, chairman of The Citadel Board of Visitors, said that the board has developed a plan to find new leadership at The Citadel while maintaining the momentum that Maj. Gen. John Grinalds has created. Grinalds, The Citadel's 18th president, has announced that he will step down August 1, 2005.
The board will launch a nationwide search for a new president and will finalize details of its strategy at the February 5 board meeting. Those details include selecting a presidential search committee; approving the name of an interim president, if needed; and setting a timetable for the process to move forward.
"This will be a seamless transition," Jenkinson said. "We have a first-class administration, faculty and staff in place, and we will keep the momentum that Gen. Grinalds has created as we look for the best possible individual to lead The Citadel in 2006."
The board members are unified in the type of person they are looking for according
to Jenkinson. "We will be looking for someone who shares our vision and can
move forward with our strategic initiatives," Jenkinson said. "But first and
foremost, we must find someone who exemplifies the core values and leadership
qualities that are at the heart of a Citadel education."
Jenkinson said that the next president must have a commitment to advancing
the Krause Initiative on Leadership and Ethics. The Krause Initiative promotes
leadership in all walks of life by instilling core values in a disciplined academic
environment. Other qualities the next president must possess include a commitment
to maintaining high academic and military standards, and to understanding of
the history and traditions of The Citadel.
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