Presidential Search Updates

The University’s Board of Governors is leading a comprehensive national search to identify the next president. This effort is being led by a search committee of Board members, students, faculty, alumni, and administration that is supported by .

This page will provide updates sent to the Campus Community regarding the comprehensive national search to identify the next president of the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ.

Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., elected as seventh president of the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ (February 12, 2024)

Dear Members of the University Community,

I am pleased to share that Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., an innovative higher education leader with extensive experience in many facets of higher education administration, including enrollment management, fundraising, and academic/corporate pathway programs, has been elected to serve as the seventh president of the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ. He joins the University from Fisk University, a highly ranked historically black university in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has served as executive vice president for institutional advancement and enrollment management. While he will formally begin his service at the end of the academic year, he will start onboarding and meeting with key stakeholders immediately.

President-Elect Frederiksen was selected following a comprehensive national search and extensive selection process. The selection committee views him as an exceptionally forward-thinking and transformational leader. We recommended him to the full Board of Governors, who voted to elect Dr. Frederiksen as our next president. Dr. Frederiksen distinguished himself with his bold vision for the University, his dedication to excellence, and his commitment to collaboration, which perfectly align with our culture of innovation and success.

Throughout our rich history, and particularly over the last two decades, we have proven very effective at developing innovative and market-responsive programs and illustrating the return on investment of a University of New 51¶ºÄÌ education. In today’s ultra-competitive higher education marketplace, it is incumbent on us to push the boundaries, and to create a unique and defining value proposition that not only differentiates us, but also enables us to rise above our peers. I believe Dr. Frederiksen is the leader to help us realize that vision.

Dr. Frederiksen made an exceptional and far-reaching impact at Fisk, helping to usher in the revival of one of the nation’s most highly regarded HBCUs. He helped envision and implement Fisk’s strategic plan and oversaw enrollment management, financial aid, career services, alumni affairs, marketing/university relations, and institutional advancement. He also helped spearhead the John Lewis Center for Social Justice and launch Fisk’s Business Incubation and Innovation Center. Under his leadership, Fisk raised more than $110 million, including 20 seven-figure gifts, and dramatically increased its enrollment, net tuition revenue, and endowment.

Dr. Frederiksen’s efforts helped Fisk secure a number one national ranking by Forbes for academic stewardship. He was also instrumental in establishing corporate partnerships with HCA Healthcare, Ryan Specialty Group, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, the Los Angeles Lakers, Marsh McLennan, and Ingram Industries, among others. He collaborated with HomeFree USA to launch a successful financial literacy program and established an executive speakers program with leaders from every major industry. In addition, he coordinated visits to the Fisk campus by such distinguished guests as the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson. He also facilitated the Fisk Jubilee Singers performance with Grammy Award-winner Alicia Keys as well as their Juneteenth performance at the White House.

Dr. Frederiksen has served as a professor at Vanderbilt, Fisk, and the University of the South and as a consultant for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. He earned bachelor’s degrees in political science, history, economics, and philosophy from Vanderbilt, where he was a member of the men’s tennis team. He also earned both a master’s degree in interdisciplinary social and political thought and a Ph.D. in contemporary political theory and comparative politics from Vanderbilt.

A native of Denmark, Dr. Frederiksen and his wife, May Wood Frederiksen, have two children, Gunnar and Lilly, and they are looking forward to relocating to Connecticut. Please join me in welcoming them to our Charger Community.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., for the steadying leadership he provided as interim president over the last 20 months during this transition period. Dr. Zenger has been an exceptional partner with so many constituents at the University and in the community in advancing the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ brand. This includes the development and implementation of the Power On campaign, in which he played a critical role. He was also responsible for securing donations and funding as well as providing leadership for the design and building of the Peterson Performance Center (PPC). The PPC is already recognized as one of the best athletic training facilities in the entire country.

Dr. Zenger will spend time this spring partnering with President-Elect Frederiksen as Dr. Frederiksen comes to know our community in advance of assuming the presidency. There will be opportunities for community members to meet Dr. Frederiksen during his campus visits this spring.

It is important to acknowledge the members of the selection committee for their dedication throughout this thorough process. The selection committee included every major constituency of the university including Board members, faculty, staff, students, and alumni to provide the most comprehensive perspective. Their work began in earnest last summer when the committee was formed. A series of intensive stakeholder meetings and listening sessions took place in late summer and during the start of the fall semester. The information gathered helped to guide the development of a leadership profile that was instrumental in recruiting a deep pool of qualified candidates. The qualified candidates expressed a strong interest based on our community, enrollment growth, financial stability, and exceptional students. Following a careful vetting process, initial interviews took place in early January, and in-person interviews were held earlier this month.

Each member of the search committee embraced the responsibility to identify, select, and recruit the best individual to lead our university, with a focus on bolstering our strengths and positioning us for future success. I would also like to thank our search partners at WittKieffer for the invaluable guidance and support they have provided our committee since we first started working with them last summer.

Finally, I would like to thank all of you for your active participation and enthusiastic engagement during this search process. From our listening session to interacting with many of you at various points in the interview process, it has always been abundantly clear to me the passion you have for the University and for being a Charger. I couldn’t be more proud to be an alum of this great institution.

I know Dr. Frederiksen is excited to work with the Board and the entire Charger community to implement and execute his exciting vision for the University, build on our rich history, and power us to elevate our image and reach even greater heights. Please join me in congratulating him on earning this richly deserved opportunity.

Sincerely,

Mike Ambrose ’84
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
Vice Chair, Board of Governors

Older Updates

  • Dear Members of the University Community,

    I am pleased to share that following a comprehensive process that included robust discussion and careful consideration, the Presidential Search Committee has invited a select group of candidates to in-person finalist interviews. These impressive and highly regarded candidates were selected following a series of engaging and thought-provoking virtual conversations with a strong group of semifinalist candidates.

    Each individual we spoke with brought great spirit, passion, and vision to their interviews, and their investment in the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ â€“ and their interest in this opportunity – was clear. We are grateful for the time they took to prepare so thoroughly. The committee and I learned a great deal in looking at and reflecting on the University through their lenses and the ideas they presented.

    Please join in thanking the members of the committee for their high degree of energy and for the integrity and care they took in conducting these long days of interviews. I am grateful for their continued diligence during the selection process following the recent interviews.

    Finally, as we move toward what promises to be a successful conclusion to this search, I would like to again reinforce the closed and confidential nature of this process. This is essential as it serves to safeguard the quality and resiliency of the candidate pool. There was significant time and energy dedicated to creating a search committee that comprises individuals from every constituency in our diverse community to ensure all voices are represented. I have full confidence in the committee and the perspectives they bring, and I am very grateful and impressed by the level of dedication, care, and consideration they have provided.

    The committee looks forward to the next steps in this exciting process.

    Sincerely,

    Mike Ambrose ’84
    Vice Chair, Board of Governors
    Chair, Presidential Search Committee

  • Dear Members of the University Community,

    I am pleased to share that the Presidential Search Committee has met over the last week, and we have selected first-round candidates. We engaged in some very productive and engaging conversations, and we are excited about the candidates who will be moving on to the next stage of this process.

    The committee and our search partners at WittKieffer were impressed with the overall caliber of the candidate pool. It is abundantly clear that the opportunity to serve as president of the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ is an attractive and highly sought after opportunity for many talented leaders.

    The candidates we have identified will engage with the search committee after the New Year. We are looking forward to these discussions, getting to know them better, and learning about their vision for this role and the University moving forward.

    Please join me in thanking each member of the search committee for the work they have taken on and the effort they have put in, particularly during such a busy time of the semester, to evaluate a robust and strong candidate pool.

    Finally, I would like to reinforce the closed and confidential nature of this search. This is essential as it serves to safeguard the quality and resiliency of the candidate pool. There was significant time and energy dedicated to creating a search committee that is comprised of individuals from every constituency in our diverse community to ensure all voices are represented. I have full confidence in the committee and the perspectives they bring, and I am very grateful and impressed by the level of dedication, care, and consideration they have provided throughout this process.

    I hope you and yours have an enjoyable holiday season and a New Year filled with health and happiness.

     

    Sincerely,

    Mike Ambrose ’84
    Vice Chair, Board of Governors
    Chair, Presidential Search Committee

  • Dear Members of the University Community,

    I am writing to provide an update on the presidential search process.

    Our committee met recently with our search partners at WittKieffer. They expressed that they are very pleased with the developing candidate pool and the high quality and the quantity of applicants. The priority application deadline of December 11 is quickly approaching. WittKieffer indicated that applicants would continue to refine and submit their materials up until the deadline.

    WittKieffer has also helped the search committee prepare for its work ahead by introducing tools and strategies to help assess candidates, reviewing the semifinalist interview process, and developing interview questions.

    The committee is excited to complete this work on behalf of the University, and we are looking forward to the next steps in this process. I would like to thank each member of the search committee for their efforts thus far and for their continued commitment as we enter one of the most critical phases of this search.

    Finally, I am pleased to share the Provost Search Committee met for the first time last week. The provost search webpage can be accessed here. As a reminder, WittKieffer is also supporting the Provost Search Committee. We are intentionally dovetailing the two searches so that the candidate chosen as president will be able to select the provost.

    Further updates on the provost search, including information on upcoming listening sessions and opportunities to share nominations, will be provided by Provost Search Committee co-chairs Robert Albright, Ph.D., and Betsy Francis-Connolly, Ph.D.

    Thank you for your continued participation and active engagement in these two important searches

    Sincerely,

    Mike Ambrose ’84
    Vice Chair, Board of Governors
    Chair, Presidential Search Committee

  • Dear Members of the University Community,

    I am writing to provide an update on the presidential search. I have received a very positive update from WittKieffer, the executive search firm supporting us throughout this process, reporting that they have engaged with a number of high-quality candidates.

    The individuals our consultants have spoken with have expressed a strong interest in the opportunity to join our community, citing our enrollment growth, financial stability, multiple campus locations, and the University’s mission and commitment to innovation.

    We are thankful for those who have nominated qualified individuals for WittKieffer to speak with about the position. You can continue to make nominations by .

    The search committee is entering a more behind-the-scenes period as we prepare to review candidates. Some of our tasks will include evaluating applications, determining interview questions, and preparing for the assessment of interested candidates.

    Finally, I am pleased to share that our provost search is set to begin. A search committee will be named soon. The provost search committee will also be supported by WittKieffer. The expectation continues to be that the individual named president would select the individual who will serve as provost.

    Looking ahead, I expect to provide our next update at the beginning of December. As we approach the Thanksgiving season, I would like to, on behalf of the entire presidential search committee, express our gratitude to each of you for your active engagement throughout this process. Thank you for your continued support.

    Sincerely,

    Mike Ambrose ’84
    Vice Chair, Board of Governors
    Chair, Presidential Search Committee

  • Dear Members of the University Community,

    I am pleased to share several important updates on the presidential search process. WittKieffer, the executive search firm supporting our committee, has completed the Leadership Profile that is being used to recruit candidates and to articulate the opportunity that awaits our next president. This document is based in large part on the feedback we received from more than 170 individuals who attended listening sessions and the more than 300 responses we received via the confidential survey.

    In addition, we have launched our presidential search website. I am also delighted to let you know that WittKieffer officially began its recruitment of qualified candidates earlier this week. They have posted advertisements to a variety of venues and are sending out individual notices about this opportunity to more than 5,000 people who are either in a position to apply or who might be able to recommend strong candidates.

    I would like to invite you to take the time to consider who you might like to see as our next president. If you are interested in nominating someone for WittKieffer to recruit, you can . I encourage you to take the time to do this, as I have been told by our search consultants that the strongest nominations often come from those who are closest to the institution.

    While the priority application date is not until December 11, I would encourage you to make your nominations as soon as possible so interested qualified candidates have ample time to submit their materials. Finally, I would also invite you to share the leadership profile and the presidential search website within your professional networks.

    I would like to thank the Office of Marketing and Communications for their work with WittKieffer on the Leadership Profile and the Presidential Search website. I am proud that these materials perfectly capture what makes our community so special and our future so bright – and the opportunity to be our next president so intriguing and enticing.

    Thank you for your active participation and engagement thus far, and I look forward to keeping you updated on the search process moving forward.

    Sincerely,

    Mike Ambrose ’84
    Vice Chair, Board of Governors
    Chair, Presidential Search Committee

  • Dear Members of the University Community,

    I am pleased to announce that the presidential search is well underway. The Presidential Search Committee most recently met August 22. The Committee received its Charge from the Board, reviewed an overview of the search process and timeline, and engaged in a robust dialogue around our hopes for the qualities and qualifications of our university's next president.

    The next critical phase of our work will focus on listening to various constituents of the University. We will be supported by our search partners, , , and from executive search firm . We will be offering multiple options for our constituents to share their thoughts with our consultants and with me through a series of in-person and Zoom listening sessions. The goal for these conversations is to engage in a dialogue about the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ's strengths, opportunities, culture, and priorities, and to contribute to defining the criteria that will be used in the selection of our next president.

    Initial conversations will be held the week of September 18. Meetings will last approximately 50 minutes. If you are unavailable when your group is meeting in person, please feel welcome to attend either the Zoom session for your group or one of the two open sessions (one in-person and one via Zoom).

    Faculty Sessions:

    • Monday, September 18, 10:00 a.m. in person, Bergami Hall Classroom 151
    • Friday, September 22, 1:00 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting via link found in your email or on myCharger

    Staff Sessions:

    • Monday, September 18, 11 a.m., in person, Bergami Hall Classroom 151
    • Friday, September 22, 2:00 p.m., Join Zoom Meeting via link found in your email or on myCharger

    Student Sessions:

    • Monday, September 18, 12:30 p.m. in person, Bergami Center Science Building Classroom 302
    • Friday, September 22, 2:00 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting via link found in your email or on myCharger

    Open Sessions:

    • Monday, September 18, 3 p.m., in person, German Club Ballroom
    • Friday, September 22, 3 p.m., Join Zoom Meeting via link found in your email or on myCharger

    Alumni Sessions:

    • Tuesday, September 19, 4:00 p.m., Join Zoom Meeting via link found in your alumni email
    • Friday, September 22, 4:00 p.m., Join Zoom Meeting via link found in your alumni email

    In addition to or instead of attending a forum, members of the University community are also invited to submit your thoughts via the that will be collected by our consultants and shared, anonymously, with the members of the search committee. We also encourage all community members to submit nominations, which can be done either through the survey mentioned above or through the confidential WittKieffer presidential search email address at New51¶ºÄÌPresident@wittkieffer.com.

    The listening sessions will be framed by these guiding questions:

    • What are the key issues facing the University today and in the future?
    • What presidential skills and attributes are needed to address these issues?
    • What is it about the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ that will excite top candidates?

    Following these listening sessions, the Search Committee will be building a leadership profile to be used in recruiting our new president. An initial timeline for the search can be found on this Presidential Search Website.

    Thank you in advance for sharing your valuable perspective on the University and on this search. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

    Mike Ambrose

    Sincerely,

    Mike Ambrose ’84
    Vice Chair, Board of Governors
    Chair, Presidential Search Committee

  • Dear Members of the University Community,

    I am writing to share that the Presidential Search Committee has selected , a leading global executive search firm, to serve as a consultant for our presidential search.

    Over the last decade, WittKieffer has conducted more than 130 presidential searches for colleges and universities. The average tenure of the chief executives the firm placed is nine years, which is well above the national average. We look forward to the guidance and assistance they will provide.

    The next step in the process is that WittKieffer will work with the Presidential Search Committee to conduct key stakeholder group input meetings (also called listening sessions). There will continue to be opportunities throughout this search for students, faculty, and staff to get involved. We look forward to your active engagement in this important process.

    Mike Ambrose

    Sincerely,

    Mike Ambrose ’84
    Vice Chair, Board of Governors
    Chair, Presidential Search Committee

  • With the Presidential search now underway, the Board of Governors would like to provide an update on the search for a permanent Provost.

    As a follow up to an earlier campus-wide message, the University will conduct a national search for a permanent Provost. The timing of the Provost search will be aligned with the progress of the Presidential search to enable the selected Presidential candidate to choose the permanent Provost. Further updates on the exact timing of the start of the Provost search will be provided as the Presidential search continues.

    The Board of Governors recognizes the impact of a leadership transition. We look forward to your active involvement in these two important searches, and we will continue to provide updates as we move forward.

    Mike Ambrose

    Sincerely,

    Mike Ambrose ’84
    Vice Chair, Board of Governors
    Chair, Presidential Search Committee

  • Following a distinguished 19-year tenure as the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ’s sixth president and its first chancellor, leading the University through the most prosperous period in its rich history, Steven H. Kaplan, Ph.D., will transition to the role of president emeritus effective July 1, 2023.

    The University’s Board of Governors is leading a comprehensive national search to identify the next president. This effort is being led by a search committee of Board members, students, faculty, alumni, and administration that will be supported by an executive search firm.

    Below is a general overview of the timeline of events that we will update as necessary throughout this process:

    • Summer 2023 – The consulting executive search firm supporting the Search Committee will be named. Begin meeting with key stakeholder groups to gather input on presidential search criteria.
    • Late Summer/Fall 2023 – Complete key stakeholder group input meetings. An official position description will be posted.
    • Fall 2023 – Search committee begins to review applicants.
    • Winter 2023 – Interview candidates and finalists.
    • Late Winter, Early Spring 2024 – Candidate selected.
    • July 1, 2024 – Chosen individual would officially start as University President.

    This is an exciting time for the University as we look to advance the incredible momentum established by Dr. Kaplan during his distinguished nearly 20-year tenure. Regular updates will be provided via this webpage. Opportunities for University community members to get involved will be announced throughout this process.

    As a proud graduate of the University, I am excited to take a leadership role in this important initiative and to work with the Charger community to identify the next president of the University. Thank you in advance for your support.

    Mike Ambrose

    Sincerely,

    Mike Ambrose ’84
    Vice Chair, Board of Governors
    Chair, Presidential Search Committee