August 9, 2022 — York College Board of Trustees Announces Formation of Presidential Search Committee
In early July, President Pamela Gunter-Smith formally announced her decision to retire at the end of the 2022-2023 academic and fiscal year. Dr. Gunter-Smith brought a vision and a strategic imperative to her presidency that helped transform the College from Great to Greater and set the institution on a pathway of success in the transforming environment of 21st-century higher education.
As Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, it is my responsibility to lead the committee tasked with the difficult job of finding a successor to Dr. Gunter-Smith. We are fortunate to be able to undertake this search at a time when the College is in a strong position strategically, academically, and financially. Building upon this foundation, our goal is to conduct a national search, consider a qualified and diverse slate of candidates, and provide a recommendation to the Board of Trustees on the next president of York College.
The Board of Trustees has appointed the executive search firm WittKieffer to assist with the search. In early July, WittKieffer spent time with the Board of Trustees to explain how the firm manages the search process and to understand the opportunities and challenges that exist for York College. Following the kickoff with the Board, a Presidential Search Committee was formulated. This team of diverse individuals represents York College faculty, administration, trustees, trustee emeriti, students, alumni, philanthropic supporters, and community stakeholders. The Committee has been assembled and will begin its work in early September. The timeline for this search has the Board of Trustees naming the next president of York College in early spring 2023.
This is a very exciting time for York College. Dr. Gunter-Smith’s leadership has created unique and inspiring opportunities for the College: from her broader engagement with the local community to the success of the College’s comprehensive campaign; from the vision of Strategic Plan 2.0 to the curricular pivot toward innovation and experiential learning – our future President has big shoes to fill but will be blessed with an institution that is poised for ever greater success. We look forward to welcoming that person to campus as the fifth President of York College.
Stephen W. Tansey
Vice Chair, York College Board of Trustees
Chair, 2022 York College Presidential Search Committee