Eastern Mennonite University’s Board of Trustees announces the search for its next interim president, seeking a dynamic leader to guide the institution beginning July 1, 2025. This strategic appointment will span a minimum of two years, reflecting a growing trend in higher education leadership transitions.
A deliberate approach to leadership transition
“We want to balance appropriate urgency with thoughtfulness,” emphasizes Board Chair Manuel (Manny) A. Nuñez ’94. “This moment is as much about the next 20 years as it is the next two.” This extended interim period will provide time for meaningful impact on organizational positioning and academic reimagining while ensuring consistent leadership through this important transition.
The decision to pursue a longer interim presidency aligns with emerging best practices in higher education. As reported by Inside Higher Ed, more institutions are appointing interim presidents for extended terms to promote institutional continuity, implement cultural changes, and allow for thorough presidential searches, which can often take between 12 and 18 months. This approach has proven successful in attracting top-tier candidates and providing stability during transitions.
Building on a strong foundation
The interim president will succeed Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, who is retiring after nine transformative years as EMU’s ninth president and first woman president. Under her leadership, EMU has:
- Advanced its strategic direction
- Navigated the COVID-19 pandemic
- Created a more welcoming and inclusive community
- Sharpened EMU’s mission, vision, and values
- Deepened the “town and gown” relationship with the City of Harrisonburg
- Set records in fundraising during EMU’s Centennial year (2017) and saw early success in the first-ever five-year comprehensive Forward Together Campaign
- Strengthened its Anabaptist heritage and commitment to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God”
For more information about Dr. Huxman’s legacy at EMU, please visit our article about her retirement.
The search process
The Interim Presidential Search Committee, co-chaired by Vice Chair of the Board Jane Hoober Peifer ‘75, MDiv ‘98 and Program Director for Business & Leadership Jim Leaman ‘86, includes diverse representation from across the university community. The committee seeks candidates who can demonstrate:
- Innovative and collaborative leadership capabilities
- Commitment to EMU’s mission and values
- Experience in organizational transformation and academic leadership
How to apply
Qualified candidates are invited to submit applications in confidence to president.interim@emu.edu by Monday, February 10, 2025. Applications should include:
- A letter of intent addressing how the candidate’s experiences match position requirements
- Current CV or resume
For detailed information about the position and requirements, please visit: emu.edu/interim-president-search
About Eastern Mennonite University
Founded in 1917, EMU serves more than 2,000 students across three locations (Harrisonburg, Virginia; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C.) and online. As an educational institution of Mennonite Church USA, EMU offers comprehensive academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and seminary levels, combining rigorous study with a commitment to faith-based values and service.
It seems to me that someone with the capabilities you mention should be appointed as president, not only as an interim a minimum for two (or more) years. Serving as interim does not lend itself well to EMU’s much-needed “innovative and collaborative” long-term goals.
Submitted by Glen Roth
I agree completely with your comment. Seems to me President Huxman gave sufficient notice of her resignation that a search for a permanent president could already be in progress.
Revisions have been made to the above article.