Florida State University’s presidential search committee is hiring a new firm to find a leader for the school. The move comes after the presidential search consultant quit amid accusations from students and faculty that the process had been rigged.
Bill Funk resigned as FSU’s search consultant Monday, even after Ed Burr, chairman of the university’s search committee says he tried to get Funk to stay. The search committee will now hire a new firm to lead its presidential search in a move Burr calls a compromise with the faculty and students who have opposed the process:
“I do think it’s necessary we review the credentials we set forth, review the ads we’ve placed and revise them accordingly, and set a new definitive time schedule going forward," Burr said.
Students and faculty have protested the search on the grounds that the job position as advertised did not include the criteria the search committee voted on, such as requiring experience in higher education and research. The search committee also agreed to interview State Senator John Thrasher before he applied for the job—leading to accusations the search had been rigged. Thrasher has since submitted his application and is still eligible for consideration, but the committee called off the interview.
