University of Puerto Rico broadens search for new president

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Dec. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The search process for a new University of Puerto Rico (UPR) president will not be limited to candidates from the island, said the president of the UPR Governing Board, Walter Alomar. In order to find the best talent to occupy the position, the Board will evaluate applications and nominations from aspirants inside and outside of Puerto Rico.

That was the recommendation of the governor of Puerto Rico, Ricardo Rosselló, who is interested in seeking candidates worldwide in times of great challenges for the UPR, the Office of Inspector General, and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA).  

"The University faces multiple challenges, both academic and financial, that require the best talent available with the experience to move forward a successful and self-sufficient university at a fiscal level. The central Government is doing it for the important positions of the inspector general and for the director of PREPA," said the chief executive.

Alomar added that "we are dealing with the devastating effects of two hurricanes. It is necessary to evaluate the best talent locally and globally. To do so, we cannot limit the process, we must expand it."  

The deadline for all applicants to submit the documentation required by the UPR Board's Search and Consultation Committee expires on Jan. 31, 2018; the call has been published locally and nationally.

The original application deadline for the position was March 31, 2017. However, given that the protest incidents by students, professors, and non-teaching personnel last spring interrupted work in the university system, the UPR Board had to extend the application deadline to October 31, 2017. As a result of the interruptions caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria during September, the deadline was extended for a second time.

According to the new calendar approved by the governing body of the university system, on Feb. 12, 2018 the Search and Consultation Committee will deliver the candidates' profiles to the academic senates of each campus, which will have until March 12 to evaluate the nominees and submit their reports to the Board.  

After evaluating said reports, the Search and Consultation Committee shall present the Board its recommendation for the appointment of the new UPR president, on March 23, 2018.

All candidates must submit their application accompanied by a work plan or essay that must not exceed 10 pages, in which they must highlight their experience and attributes relevant to the position they aspire to. In addition, he or she must submit a proposal on how to meet the goals outlined in the UPR's strategic plan, in harmony with the Fiscal Plan submitted to the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico or any amended version thereof. It should be noted that after the passage of the atmospheric events, the Board decided to review and amend its Fiscal Plan.   

The requests must be addressed to the Search and Consultation Committee of the UPR Governing Board, and submitted by mail to the Secretariat of the Board at PO Box 23400, San Juan, PR 00934-3400; or by email at [email protected]. For clarifications or additional information about the process, you can call (787) 758-3350, extensions 2200 or 2205.  

SOURCE University of Puerto Rico