AGB Search to lead University of Illinois System president search

AGB Search has been selected to lead the search for the University of Illinois System president, a role that reports to trustees and oversees the leaders of three public universities, according to Hunt Scanlon Media. The University of Illinois Board of Trustees tapped the Washington, D.C.-based higher-education recruitment firm for the assignment.

The president supervises the three chancellors/vice presidents who serve as the chief executives of the universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. The role also leads the system’s executive team and works with leadership across the universities and system offices.

Roderick McDavis, Sally Mason and Garry W. Owens are leading the search. Their experience includes running universities as well as recruiting their leaders: McDavis served as Ohio University president for 13 years before becoming AGB Search’s managing principal in 2017, while Mason is president emerita of the University of Iowa. Owens spent 17 years as an academic administrator, including as founding dean of Texas Tech University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.

The board seeks candidates with an advanced degree from an accredited university, demonstrated leadership and execution skills, and a record of distinction in their field. That record can include awards, scholarly publications, entrepreneurial endeavors or other recognition. The leadership brief also calls for the ability to foster collaboration across the system and bring stakeholders together.