Presidential Search | The College of St. Scholastica

Search for Our Next President in Progress

We are pleased to share that the search process has been progressing exceptionally well, with a solid applicant pool of extremely talented and experienced leaders exploring the St. Scholastica presidency.

The search committee has been diligent and thoughtful in advancing candidates through a rigorous multi-stage interview process. From our strong pool, we conducted initial screening interviews with twelve semi-finalists. The committee then identified seven candidates to move forward to in-person interviews, which were held in early December in Minneapolis.

Each candidate participated in a ninety-minute interview that included a case study addressing a complex leadership situation. These interviews were comprehensive and allowed the committee to assess each candidate’s strategic thinking, values alignment, and leadership approach.

Following these rigorous interviews, the committee has advanced three finalists who will visit Duluth later this month for another round of in-depth interviews. We anticipate concluding the search in February 2026 and remain on pace to have our new president in place this summer.
Consistent with the Board of Trustees’ decision to conduct a confidential search to attract the strongest candidates, we are unable to reveal the identities of the finalists. However, we are excited and eager for them to get to know St. Scholastica more fully in the coming weeks. The search committee, made up of representatives from across the campus community, has honored the confidential nature of the search, which has been critical to ensuring a successful process.

We appreciate your interest, patience, and trust as we continue this important work. We are confident the process will result in an inspiring and engaging leader for the College of St. Scholastica, and we look forward to keeping you informed as the final steps unfold.

Ed Crawford and Chris Dolan
Co-Chairs, Presidential Search Committee

Search Timeline 2025-26

Late September

The search goes “live” by posting on the Academic Search website and in approved online advertising venues.

Late September-Early November

Search consultant builds candidate pool. Search committee meets to prepare for candidate evaluation.

Mid-December

Search committee conducts confidential interviews with semi-finalist candidates. Search committee recommends finalist candidates.

January

Search committee conducts confidential interviews with finalist candidates.

Spring

Board of Trustees selects candidate of choice. Appointment of president announced.

Summer

New president takes office.

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Presidential Search Committee Members

Search Co-Chairs

Ed Crawford, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Chris Dolan, Trustee Emeritus

Search Committee Members

Rhonda Kazik, Trustee
Tom Renier, Trustee
Mimi Stender, Trustee
Tom Wedige, Trustee
Amy Bergstrom, Associate Vice President of Inclusive Excellence
Kristina Church, Director of Institutional Effectiveness/Research
Sister Kathleen Del Monte, Associate Vice President for Mission Integration
Owen Erickson, Student
Brenda Fischer, Dean of the Stender School of Leadership and Professional Studies
Katie Halaas, Director of Non-Traditional Admission
Pablo Palafox, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Amy Pocrnich, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Finance, and Economics
Kaisa Syvaoja, Director of the Master’s in Occupational Therapy Program and Assistant Professor
Sister Jeanne Ann Weber, Prioress

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is confidentiality so important in a search process?

Many candidates will hold key positions at other institutions and will submit an application only if confidentiality is guaranteed. Members of the search committee have signed an agreement that secures confidentiality for all discussions, documents, and deliberations related to the search.

What is the role of the search committee chairs?

The search chairs are the official spokespersons for the search committee and, thus, the only individuals authorized to speak on behalf of the search committee and the search process. The chairs will provide regular updates to the campus community and can address any questions or concerns from members of the community through the duration of the search.

What information can search committee members share with me?

The information search committee members are able to share with the campus community is limited. The committee members are bound by a code of conduct that requires they not share any information discussed during search committee meetings, nor any information related to candidates, even after the search has closed.

Whom do I contact if I want to share specific information or if I have a question about the search?

Please contact the search chairs or search consultant with any information or questions.

Will there be regular updates on the search?

Yes, the search chairs will provide regular updates to the campus community at critical points in the search, and these updates will be posted to this website.

How can I make a nomination?

Nominations can be submitted in confidence to CSSPresident@academicsearch.org. If you are considering nominating someone, please carefully review the qualifications and experiences as outlined in the position profile before submitting a nomination. Your nomination will go directly to the search consultants, who will reach out to the nominee. The search consultants will not provide your name to the nominee, but you are free to do so.

Are internal candidates treated any differently from external candidates?

Internal candidates are vetted in the same way as external candidates. All candidates are assessed based on the criteria identified in the position profile. The committee very carefully selects the strongest candidates, either internal or external, for further consideration based on the required and desired qualifications.

How will members of the campus community participate in the search process?

Many members of the campus community met with the consultants during the initial campus visit. The information shared during this visit is particularly valuable during the recruiting phase of the search process.

When will the appointee take office?

The announcement of the new president is expected in February 2026 and the new president will assume office upon President McDonald’s retirement in July 2026.

About Academic Search and Search Consultant

The College of St. Scholastica has selected Academic Search as consultants to conduct the presidential search. For nearly five decades, Academic Search has offered executive search services to hiring education institutions, associations, and related organizations. Academic Search was founded by higher education leaders on the principle that we provide the most value to partner institutions by combining best practices with our deep knowledge and experience. Our mission today is to enhance institutional capacity by providing outstanding executive recruitment services, executive coaching, and transition support, in partnership with our parent organization, the American Academic Leadership Institute.

Maya Kirkhope, Vice President and Senior Consultant