Updates

January

• Board Chair Robert Hansen announced President José Padilla’s, J.D., plan to retire when his contract ends on December 31, 2025, and the Board began preparations for a national search for his successor. Chair Hansen also announced his upcoming retirement and the appointment of Jon Steinbrecher ’83, Ed.D. as chair-elect to help lead the transition process and lead the presidential search committee.

March

• Launch of the Presidential Search Committee
  The Presidential Search Committee was formally launched. Chaired by Jon A. Steinbrecher ’83, the committee includes a diverse group of faculty, staff, alumni, and board members committed to leading an inclusive and values-based search process for Valpo’s next president

April

• Search Firm Selected
  The Presidential Search Committee has selected Academic Search as the consulting firm to assist with the national search. The firm was chosen after a thorough review process and brings extensive experience in higher education leadership searches.
• Senior Consultants to Visit Campus
  On April 29–30, consultants from Academic Search will visit campus to host open forums with students, faculty, and staff. These sessions will gather input to inform the Presidential Profile, a foundational document guiding the selection process.
• Student Open Forum: Tuesday, April 29 from 7 to 8 pm. in the Neils Science Center, Room 234
• Staff Open Forum: Wednesday, April 30 from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. in the Christopher Center Room 205
• Faculty Open Forum: Wednesday, April 30 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Christopher Center, Room 205
• Announcement of Hybrid Search Model
  We are conducting a hybrid presidential search, a model selected to attract the most qualified and diverse pool of candidates. By ensuring confidentiality, we can engage exceptional leaders who may be hesitant to enter a fully open process. As the search progresses, the committee will expand to include broader campus representation, ensuring meaningful interaction with key stakeholders. This approach balances transparency and discretion, while honoring the diverse expectations of our community.

May

• Community Engagement Fuels Presidential Search Progress 
  On behalf of the Presidential Search Committee, sincere thanks are extended for the exceptional participation in the early stages of Valparaiso University’s presidential search. The recent campus-wide survey garnered an unprecedented 614 detailed submissions, the highest level of engagement ever observed by the search consultant, reflecting the community’s strong commitment to the university’s future. Alongside the survey, numerous meetings and Zoom sessions further deepened the committee’s understanding of the leadership qualities sought in the next president. These collective insights are instrumental in shaping the forthcoming Presidential Search Prospectus. With nominations already arriving and the leadership profile set to be finalized soon, the search is gaining momentum as it prepares to officially launch in early June. The committee expresses gratitude for the community’s continued support and dedication to this vital endeavor.