A 12-page search prospectus, released Sept. 21 by the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, outlines the future of the university and what kind of president it will take to achieve it.

The prospectus was formulated with the help of Academic Search Inc.’s senior consultant Dr. Bill Franklin and can be downloaded at www.acu.edu

The university’s next president must understand and support all aspects of the 21st Century Vision. The Vision aims to “produce leaders who think critically, globally and missionally;” “build distinctive and innovative programs;” “deliver a unique, Christ-centered experience that draws students into community;” and “expand ACU’s Christian influence and educational reach nationally and internationally,” according to the prospectus. Anyone may apply for the position.

Don Crisp, chair of the Presidential Search Committee, said applicants may not know every detail of the 21st Century Vision entering the interview process, but interviewers will watch closely for fundamental differences in attitude, philosophy and personality.

“Any new president is going to be given the opportunity to provide their own leadership as they think they should,” Crisp said.

In order to compile a prospectus that represents the interests of everyone in the ACU community, the committee created a five-question survey. In an Aug. 4 email, Crisp invited every student, faculty and staff member to respond.

A Christ-centered education and a strong, Christian president topped the list of answers to every question, although Crisp said the committee sees the top five responses as a collective opinion, not a ranking.

“One thing that was interesting was that No. 1 across the board was Christ-centered emphasis,” Crisp said. “I’m confident there was a very broad sample [of respondents].”

More than 600 students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff and members of the Board of Trustees voiced their priorities for the office of president via an online survey last month. Of the 624 total responses, 352 were alumni, 161 students, 42 parents of current students, 102 faculty members, 154 staff members and 14 members of the Board. Many respondents identified themselves in more than one of those categories.

Crisp said he is optimistic as the committee prepares to review applications.

“I think everything is going well,” Crisp said. “I feel good about where we are, and I think we’re on target.”

The committee is accepting applications until Oct. 30. It will meet Oct. 12 to determine a review process that ensures all applicants receive equal, fair evaluations.