To the Carleton Community:
After fifteen years of strong leadership and transforming impact, Steve Lewis has informed the Trustees of his desire to retire as Carleton's president on June 30, 2002. While we respect his decision, we accept it with great reluctance—and I will personally miss his enthusiasm, vision, relentless energy, and personal commitment. Steve has built strong partnerships that have raised Carleton's high standards of excellence, earning our gratitude and giving us confidence in our future. In the coming months there will be many opportunities to celebrate with Steve and Judy and to show them our appreciation.
Steve has made it clear that, although his time to lead is now limited, Carleton's agenda cannot be limited. His leadership will continue to be essential as we prepare for a new president and we must all work together to sustain the momentum and reputation that we have achieved.
Securing a new president and managing a smooth transition is the primary
responsibility of the Board of Trustees. Steve has provided us sufficient time to proceed with a thorough search for his successor, whom we expect to be in place on July 1, 2002. I have asked John Roe, a vice chair of the Board, to be my partner in leading the search process. To begin, the Trustees will spend time reviewing Carleton's direction and vision in order to determine the primary qualifications desired in our next president. Then in the spring, to assist Trustees in seeking and screening candidates, we will establish a search committee of sixteen members—five trustees, four faculty, four students, two administrative staff, and one alumnus/a.
The Trustees have already retained the services of Academic Search, a
non-profit higher education search firm, to help us coordinate our process and ensure that we attract a broad range of candidates. At my request, Professor Perry Mason has agreed to serve as non-voting secretary to the committee. We will provide more details of the process, seek recommendations, and attempt to communicate our progress at appropriate times during the search while respecting the confidentiality of the candidates.
Generations of Carleton's faculty, students, staff, alumni, parents, and friends have worked together to build a truly great institution. In this important transition, this tradition of stewardship will be essential to our success in securing a strong, new president for the College.
Margaret Ann Riecker '54
Chair of the Board of Trustees