The Minnesota State College and Universities Board of Trustees named two finalists Monday to replace Chancellor James McCormick. MnSCU was able to benefit from a more transparent process than the University of MinnesotaâÄôs presidential search, which saw the Board of Regents name only one finalist. Now, the public has a chance to see what both candidates have to offer.
The two candidates are well qualified and have extensive experience in the realm of higher education. Steven Rosenstone brings a scholarly perspective: He currently works as University vice president for scholarly and cultural affairs. William Sederburg, the other finalist, has a background in politics, serving as UtahâÄôs Commissioner of Higher Education. Either skill set would benefit the system that educates more than half of MinnesotaâÄôs undergraduates.
A MnSCU search committee interviewed 11 candidates and recommended four semifinalists and one alternate to the board. Rosenstone and Sederburg were the only two willing to go through public interviews.
The University had a similar situation: Only two of four presidential semifinalists agreed to be named. However, instead of interviewing them both, the regents chose to name Eric Kaler as the sole candidate, creating a cloud of controversy around the hiring process.
With dwindling state funding and soaring tuition, itâÄôs a credit to the MnSCU system that they can attract talent that feels confident enough to duke it out publicly. Being able to hear from two strong candidates before they make a decision is a win for MnSCU. It would have been nice for the regents to offer the University the same opportunity.