Header image: Tim O’Shaughnessy via @lasalleuniv on Instagram
On Monday, May 3, the La Salle University Board of Trustees and William Matthews sent an email to the Lasallian community announcing the new interim president. Previous Executive Vice President Tim O’Shaughnessy, ’85, will serve as the interim president beginning on June 1. This email announcement explained why the Board of Trustees was appointing an interim president rather than a permanent one and explained the process of finding a permanent president.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Matthews wished Dr. Hanycz success in her new position at Xavier University. The email read, “the Board thanks Dr. Hanycz for six years of outstanding service and dedication to La Salle and wishes her and her family well as she begins this next chapter in her personal and professional journey.” In addition, the Board of Trustees commended Dr. Hanycz’s “forward momentum” and they want to continue this success with the next president at La Salle.
In terms of choosing an interim president rather than a permanent president, the Board of Trustees sees the presidential search process requiring a significant amount of time and thoroughness. O’Shaughnessy is not a candidate for the permanent position, but he will serve as interim president during the presidential search process. The Board of Trustees wanted an interim president with senior administrative experience, a knowledge of Philadelphian Catholic education, an understanding of La Salle University and a commitment to the Lasallian mission. Interim President O’Shaughnessy will bring all of these qualities to his role according to the Board.
As for the search for a permanent president, there will be opportunities for the entire La Salle community to participate in the national search for the University’s 30th President. There will be a committee composed of faculty, staff, students, Christian Brothers, Trustees and alumni to create a broad representation of the entire La Salle community. Nominations for the University Presidential Search Committee are open until May 17. The Board of Trustees expects that a search committee will be established by July 1. After the committee is formed there will be listening sessions with the La Salle community on campus during the Fall 2021 semester. The Board of Trustees’ goal is to find and announce a new president in 2022.
The La Salle Collegian 