The Stetson University Board of Trustees today announced the members of the university’s Presidential Search Committee following the retirement announcement from President Wendy B. Libby, Ph.D.
“I want to thank the members of the committee for their commitment to Stetson University and willingness to devote their time and energies to leading the process to identify Stetson’s 10th president,” said Joe Cooper, Chair of Stetson’s Board of Trustees. “The members of the committee bring a strong passion for Stetson and collectively, bring a deep understanding of our university as well as diverse perspectives from Stetson’s community.”
Cooper has already devoted several days to meeting with faculty, staff, students and administrators on Stetson’s campuses in Gulfport and DeLand to gain preliminary insights into the needs of the institution and discuss the potential process for the Presidential Search Committee.
Members of the Stetson University Presidential Search Committee are:
Joe R. Cooper, ’79, M.B.A. ’82
Chair, Presidential Search Committee
Chair, Stetson University Board of Trustees
Kristen David Adams
Interim Dean
Professor of Law
College of Law
Maureen Breakiron-Evans, ’76
Stetson University Board of Trustees
J. Hyatt Brown, Hon. ’92
Stetson University Board of Trustees
Yvonne Chang, E.M.B.A. ’09
Stetson University Board of Trustees
Giovanni Fernandez
Associate Professor of Finance
Executive Director, Graduate Programs
School of Business Administration
Amy Gipson
Associate Vice President, Development Strategy and Communications
F. Robert Huth
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Tony Jenkins
Stetson University Board of Trustees
Camille King
Professor of Psychology
Chair, Department of Psychology
College of Arts and Sciences
Harlan “Butch” Paul, ’76
Stetson University Board of Trustees (2004-2016)
DeLand Community Leader
Timothy Peter
Interim Dean
Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities
School of Music
Luis Prats, ’78, J.D. ’81
Stetson University Board of Trustees
Markala Roland
Class of 2022
Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholar
Charles A. Wolfe, ’85
Stetson University Board of Trustees
National Search
The committee and search consultant/agency (yet to be named) are planning to conduct a national search for the future president of the university.
“Given the strengths, depth and position of Stetson University, we are confident we will find an outstanding leader to build upon the significant progress our university has enjoyed under President Libby’s tenure,” said Cooper.
In February, President Libby announced in a personal communication to the university community her intention to retire from her position as of June 30, 2020. Libby made the announcement at that time to allow the board and community time to begin the search during the traditional academic recruitment cycle.
Next Steps
Cooper indicated once the committee has reviewed and selected a consultant or agency to assist in the national search they will:
- schedule forums in DeLand and Gulfport to seek input from students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university to help identify Stetson’s opportunities and challenges, and align those with the key attributes to seek in their next president
- launch a website to update the community and allow interested parties to provide comments regarding the search and process.
About Stetson University
Founded in 1883, Stetson University is the oldest private university in Central Florida. Stetson focuses on intense learning experiences in a supportive community that allows students to develop their voice in a connected, inclusive environment. Stetson University ranks No. 5 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 list of Best Regional Universities (South), and has been recognized as one of The Princeton Review’s 384 Best Colleges, 2019 edition. Stay connected with Stetson on social media.
