Stephens College to interview 10 candidates to replace retiring president

COLUMBIA — Stephens College has invited 10 semi-finalists to meet with members of its presidential search committee off campus later in March, according to an statement posted on the college's Web site.

Stephens is not disclosing any information about the candidates that will be interviewed to replace current president Wendy Libby, who will retire in July.

The committee "quickly came to consensus in selecting those with the necessary experience and qualifications to lead Stephens College at this important moment in our history and enable the college to capitalize on our strengths and address our challenges," according to the Web site.

"The next president must be collaborative and have a passion for Stephens and its students," said Amy Gipson, vice president for marketing and public relations, citing the online institutional profile.

The profile outlined additional qualities the next president should have:

• A demonstrated commitment to diversity and to developing a campus climate that fosters a sense of community
• An ability to tell the Stephens' story both internally and externally in ways that inspire support
• The need to continue Stephens' efforts to enhance its academic quality

Committee members will soon begin the process of checking candidates' references, according to the online update.

Once interviews have been completed, the committee will select an undetermined amount of finalists for the job.