Northwest University (NU) has begun the formal process of selecting its next President.
As the university looks to the future, it is seeking a qualified, experienced, dynamic, and inspiring leader who will uphold its mission, support its academic and spiritual goals, and guide the institution through its next chapter of impact within the region and throughout the world. The process will be led by a Search Committee, chaired by Dr. Barbara Petty, Chair of the NU Board of Directors, and will involve input from key university stakeholders to ensure a thorough and inclusive process. To assist with this important work, NU has engaged FaithSearch Partners, a trusted executive search firm with extensive experience in Christian higher education leadership placements.
Search Process & Timeline
| Early Spring | FaithSearch Partners engaged, Search Committee members selected, input gathered from NU stakeholders, and candidate profile created |
| Later Spring | Candidates sourced, and screened by FaithSearch Partners |
| Summer | Semi-finalists interviewed by the search committee, and finalists participate in campus interviews |
| Fall | Final candidate engaged, or active/ interim president initiated if more search time is needed |
How to Nominate a Candidate
If you would like more information about this opportunity—or if you know individuals who may be qualified for this position—please reach out to FaithSearch Partners. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a current curriculum vitae or résumé to the following:
Jacqueline Gustafson, Vice President
jgustafson@faithsearchpartners.com
Andrew Westmoreland, Senior Vice President
awestmoreland@faithsearchpartners.com
All inquiries and nominations will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
Current Updates
The Presidential Search Committee has selected one finalist. The committee spent a full day interviewing four semi-finalist candidates. These individuals were all very impressive, represented diverse professional backgrounds, and brought different talents and skills to the table. However, it was clear that one candidate was a frontrunner. This candidate aligns with the NU mission and core values, exhibits strong emotional intelligence, is deeply relational, has a strong vision for enrollment growth and church relations, demonstrates good analytical and problem-solving skills, and has a collaborative approach to working with faculty and staff. Additionally, this candidate has significant experience revitalizing an organization, developing community and civic partnerships, fundraising, and creating a positive culture.
The NU community will have an opportunity to meet the candidate on July 21st and provide feedback before a final decision is made by the Board of Directors. We are thankful for God’s continued provision in this process.
After interviewing more than fifty individuals, FaithSearch Partners presented fourteen semi-finalists to the search committee for review. The candidates represented a high-caliber and diverse candidate pool, comprised of individuals with strong professional and academic credentials. After considerable deliberation, the search committee chose four semi-finalists who will participate in in-person interviews with the committee in early July. We are pleased this process is going well and continue to appreciate your prayers.
The search process for our NU president is going well. FaithSearch Partners has been following up on many names and has identified several excellent candidates for the position. The search committee will select 3-4 semifinalists to interview in-person. Out of these interviews, they will identify finalists to be brought to campus for on-campus interviews. Thank you for your continued prayer for this important hire.
FaithSearch Partners (FSP) is in the process of recruiting candidates for the presidential search. FSP representatives, Jacqui Gustafson and Andy Westmoreland, listened to more than 60 representatives of the NU community during two days of campus interviews and used the data from these interviews to create a candidate profile, which was then edited and approved by members of the search committee. Applicant screening has commenced. The presidential profile is being shared with interested candidates who have been contacted through FSP’s substantial network, with longer interviews for promising candidates to begin soon. They are also continuing to accept candidate names. Please see instructions on the webpage above for directions on how to nominate a potential candidate.
The NU Board of Directors has engaged FaithSearch Partners (FSP) in the process of finding a new president. FSP representatives, Jacqui Gustafson and Andy Westmoreland, listened to more than 60 representatives of the NU community during two days of campus interviews. They will be using the data from these interviews to create a candidate profile to be shared with presidential applicants. NU is thankful to work with such an excellent partner and for a search process that is characterized by integrity and collaboration.
