Will Ohio State name a new president at its board of trustees meetings this week?

Will Ohio State University's Board of Trustees announce its new president at this week's trustees meetings?

It's unlikely, at least according to an update Board Chairman Hiroyuki Fujita shared Friday with the campus community.

Fujita, speaking on behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, said the group is making "great progress" in selecting someone to succeed Kristina M. Johnson as Ohio State's next permanent president. University leaders previously shared that there is no set timeline for naming its next leader.

"We have seen strong interest in the position, and the process is moving forward efficiently," Fujita said.

More: 'Godspeed and go Buckeyes:' Kristina Johnson celebrates Ohio State grads on her last day

He expressed gratitude to those who have shared their thoughts in the process thus far, and he also said that the committee is still seeking input in their search. There are two ways people can contribute to the search: submit what qualities and experiences you would recommend in a president or submit a nomination.

What do Buckeyes want in their next president?

Fujita also shared the recently completed Presidential Profile, compiled by the University Advisory Subcommittee for the search process, which includes the input and feedback from the public listening sessions. The profile includes the qualities and character traits wanted in a candidate, as well as opportunities at the university that its next leader could lean into.

Ohio State's next president, according to the profile, must be: honest, authentic and transparent, a servant leader and team player; dynamic and energetic; curious and open-minded, a charismatic listener; consultative and, as necessary, decisive; communications-focused with exceptional interpersonal skills and political acumen; and appreciative of Ohio State’s special character and context.

More: Kristina Johnson could get paid up to a year after leaving Ohio State. Here’s how much she could make

The profile also said that the university's next leader must have vision, an ability to lead a complex academic organization, understand complex organizations and university culture, and an ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders.

The search committee would like the the next president to understand and support access to an affordableeducation; support and advance patient care and access to the university’s health system; enhance academics, invest in research, and build influence as a leader and partner statewide and beyond.

Who is leading Ohio State right now?

With Johnson's last day as president past — her last public appearance was spring commencement ceremonies — Ohio State is without an interim leader until it's next permanent leader is announced. Johnson announced her resignation in November.

Ohio State's Board of Trustees does not currently have plans to appoint an interim president between Johnson and the university's next president, Ohio State spokesman Ben Johnson previously told The Dispatch. Instead, senior and executive vice presidents will report to the board of trustees, he said.

More: Ohio State doesn't plan to appoint an interim president after Johnson. So who will lead?

"Members of the president’s cabinet have always had day-to-day oversight of their units," he said. "During this transition period, cabinet members have reported on their work directly to the appropriate board committee. That arrangement will continue when President Johnson departs."

Fujita said this model is "aligned with the previous presidential transition occurring over the summer term."

Ohio State's last presidential search, which began after former President Michael V. Drake announced in November 2019 his plans to retire at the end of that academic year, took about six months.

The university hired the search firm Isaacson, Miller in January 2020, held several public forums for the campus community that February, and trustees officially announced and approved Johnson as its next president on June 4, 2020, at its regularly scheduled board meeting.

Ohio State has hired Education Executives, a Santa Barbara, Califorina-based external search firm, to lead the search.

Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Sign up for her Mobile Newsroom newsletter here and Extra Credit, her education newsletter, here.

shendrix@dispatch.com

@sheridan120

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State president search is making "great progress," trustee said