Explaining the Upcoming Executive Transitional Process
The Oakwood University Board of Trustees shares the following statement with our community:
On Monday, October 21, 2024, the Board first learned of Dr. Leslie N. Pollard’s acceptance of a new executive role within the North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists. Once past our initial surprise, Board members individually and collectively began expressing deep appreciation for Dr. Pollard’s long and unfailing commitment to Oakwood University.
Upon receiving the news, members shared heartfelt congratulations and a sense of gratitude for Dr. Pollard’s service.
Ralph Reid, the board’s Vice Chair Layperson said, “Pollard’s leadership will be missed. He forged a path that has taken our institution to higher ground. We pray God’s blessings over him and his family.”
Nyasha Smith-Ruddock, Layperson, shared, “Our prayer is that as Pollard moves forward to mentor ministers on the path of continuous learning, he will capitalize on the strengths that he brought to the Oakwood University family. To Dr. Pollard: we will miss you. Thank you for almost 15 years of dedicated service.”
William Hicks, the board’s Layperson C-100 Representative, also concurred in congratulating Pollard on his new appointment.
Linda Seal, the board’s OU Alumni Network Representative, added, “I want to thank Dr. Pollard for almost 15 years of service to Oakwood University. I know he will continue to carry Oakwood in his heart as he moves into a new space of influence. All the best.”
Additionally, in the interests of transparency, we want to share initial steps with you as we begin the search for our next leader. The Oakwood University Board is committed to an inclusive and far-reaching process to select our next president. Students, families, faculty, Alumni, administration, staff, ministers, church members, and all stakeholders will be invited to participate in the process. It is essential to the OU Board that many voices be heard, and a full range of needs be met. The search will be thoughtful and respectful. The goal is to find a candidate who continues Oakwood University’s mission to transform students through Biblically-based education for service to God and humanity.
Oakwood University’s board of trustees is committed to ensuring the university’s mission and long-term strategies throughout the coming transitional period. Their focus is to pool a selection of highly qualified candidates who demonstrate strong leadership abilities and steadfast Christian character.
To that end, the services of FaithSearch Partners have already been engaged and retained. FaithSearch Partners is a “preeminent executive search firm for faith-based organizations.” Their mission to help “Christian organizations secure Christian leaders that will revolutionize their organizations and communities” appealed greatly to OU Board members..
FaithSearch has a 3-step process in their management of executive searches:
- Assess–Theyworktounderstandanorganization’spurposeandidealleadershiptraits.Then,develop a thorough assessment and candidate profile
- Guide – FaithSearch consultants use their expertise to guide the search process
- Secure – FaithSearch uses proprietary research methods and proven executive search processes to identify leaders who will impact an organization’s mission.
This information is open to the public and can be easily accessed by visiting faithsearchpartners.com.
Retaining a candidate search firm is only step one in the process set forward by the Board to fill Dr. Pollard’s seat. After the assessment phase, FaithSearch will engage the assistance of university stakeholders. Once this step has been completed and a candidate is chosen, the Board will collaborate with the university administration to ensure a seamless leadership transition to the next president.
We ask all to join us in prayer as Oakwood University begins this journey to find our next president. We seek God’s guidance and blessings on all our thoughts and actions during the transitional period.