The first meeting to select the new president of California State University, Bakersfield was held Monday afternoon.
The CSU Board of Trustees held an open forum from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Doré Theatre on the CSUB campus.
CSU Trustee and Chair of the presidential search, John Nilon said the committee is interested in what students, faculty and the public want to see in the next president.
"Who they think in terms of their knowledge, skills, abilities, talents, energy can lead the campus to success," Nilon said.
The new president will succeed current CSUB President Horace Mitchell, who announced his retirement at the end of the 2017-2018 school year in August.
Mitchell is credited with expanding enrollment at CSUB, transforming the school into a competitive NCAA Division I school.
Several people spoke out at the meeting, many expressing concerns with the actual selection process. Other explained what they would like to see in their next president.
Mandy Rees, CSUB Chair of Music and Theatre, said she was watching the live stream of the meeting when she decided to walk over to the meeting and speak out.
"There were a couple of items that were not being expressed that I wanted to add," Rees said.
Rees told the committee she was interested in a president who can represent the campus well. She said that person would be a good speaker, well versed and have a strong academic career.
She went on to add she'd like the next president to be approachable and accessible. She said she liked the way President Mitchell invested in the community and became known around town.
"They need to be accessible and hear the voices of the various people in order to learn how to administer in this place," Rees said.
Nilon mimic Rees' hopes and added he wants someone to carry on the vision that's already in place.
He said the committee is weighing public input heavily in its decision on what qualities they seek out.
Rees is not just waiting for the selection to be made.
"I'm hopefuly that they will get a great pool of people and I'm just going to wish for the best and hope that they come through for us," she said.
Over the next several months, the committee will review applications and conduct interviews. They expect to have a new president selected by March of 2018.
If you would like to share your opinion of what qualities you'd like to see in the next CSUB president you can send your suggestions to presidentsearch@calstate.edu.
