Bates embarks on search for its seventh president

In June 2000, Don Harward announced his retirement as Bates' sixth President at the end of the 2002 academic year, following thirteen years of exemplary service to the College. President Harward has provided extraordinary leadership for Bates. The accomplishments and successes of the College have never been greater, nor have Bates' opportunities for future success ever been as broad or as deep. Bates today is stronger in every respect than it has ever been and is regarded as one of the nation's finest undergraduate colleges.

There is perhaps no more impressive legacy of President Harward's stewardship than the present strength of the constituencies responsible for the college's achievements — students, faculty, staff, alumni, Trustees, parents, and friends of Bates. It is in the context of President Harward's vision of inclusivity and community that are so much part of Bates that we write to ask you for participation in this defining moment in the College's history.

Under the Charter of the College, it is the responsibility of the Bates Board of Trustees to select a president. A special committee, established by the Board and comprised of Trustees, members of the Faculty, a member of the staff, student body and alumni will conduct the search and make its recommendation to the full Board.

As we begin the process of identifying the next president of Bates, we write, on behalf of the Board of Trustees and as Co-Chairs of the Search Committee, to ask you to share with us your views regarding the College and its future, and your assessment of the qualities that the next president of Bates should possess. Your general advice and your specific nominations will be essential to our identification of candidates of intellectual distinction and accomplishment, who are proven leaders eager to support the needs and values of the College and the resource initiatives so critical to our success.

Please address your correspondence directly to us as Co-Chairs of the Search Committee at the address listed below. We assure you that the strictest confidentiality will be maintained in all of the Committee's work.

We are most grateful to you for your assistance, encouragement and support. We look forward to hearing from you in a process that is both a celebration of what Bates is and an opportunity to shape all that Bates can become.

Sincerely,

James F. Orr III Co-Chair

Karen A. Harris Co-Chair

• Position Specification
• Search advertisement
• Contact the Presidential Search Committee
• Committee members
• "The Search Is On," article from Bates magazine

• Press releases:
  "Harward retiring from Bates College presidency in 2002"
  "Bates presidential search committee named"
• History of Bates and Mission Statement
• About Bates