Abilene Christian University embarked on its first presidential search in 19 years Thursday when the presidential search advisory committee met for the first time.

Don Crisp, chair of the committee, received a call from C.E. Cornutt, chair of the Board of Trustees, earlier this year asking him to serve as committee chair.

“This is a very important time for the university,” Crisp said. “I was honored to accept.”

Crisp said the first meeting would, at the least, give members a chance to meet one another. Beyond personal introductions, he hoped to reach a general consensus on where the committee should begin.

Getting a feel for what the university’s constituents, including students, want is a top priority for the committee, Crisp said. Faculty, staff, students and alumni will have the opportunity to voice their opinions through an online survey, according to www.acu.edu.

Crisp said the committee will compile a report and hopes to make it available to the public “within a few weeks.”

Dr. Royce Money, president of the university, announced his resignation from the office of president on May 16. The new president, whom Money said should be selected and announced by mid-spring, will officially take the reins on May 31. Money will then accept the role of Chancellor.

The 15-member committee will not work alone. Academic Search, Inc., will assist and advise committee members throughout the process.