Presidential Search

 

Dear Muskingum University Students, Faculty, and Staff,

For the past nine years, Muskingum University has been fortunate to be led by President Susan S. Hasseler, our 21st president. Today, I share the news that President Hasseler will retire at the conclusion of her current contract, at the end of the 2025-26 academic year.

While we will miss her steadfast leadership, we celebrate this well-earned next chapter with her.

During her presidency, Dr. Hasseler has prioritized our students at every turn - broadening access, strengthening academic and co-curricular opportunities, and deepening our commitment to serving an evolving world. She has guided the University through a bold strategic plan, assembled a strong leadership team, strengthened alumni and community engagement, and spearheaded signature projects such as the new health and wellness complex. Her impact will be felt across the University for years to come.

There will be many opportunities over the next year to honor President Hasseler and reflect on her contributions. At the same time, we are beginning the important work of identifying Muskingum’s next president. I’m pleased to share that the Board of Trustees has engaged the national search firm Academic Search to partner with us in our search. Academic Search is a mission-based organization that has specialized for more than 40 years in higher education searches for senior level leaders. Its principals are former higher education leaders who entrust their knowledge, wisdom, and experience to the service of institutions like ours during times of transition. Our search will be led by Senior Consultants Dr. Dan DiBiasio and Dr. Sharon Herzberger. They will be visiting campus early in the fall to meet with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends for a series of pre-search listening sessions to learn about what makes Muskingum distinctive and your hopes for our future

In the coming weeks, I will share more details about the search committee and ways to be involved in this important process. For now, I wish you a restful and rewarding summer and thank you for being part of this vibrant community.

Please join me in congratulating President Hasseler and expressing our gratitude for her extraordinary service. We look forward to the year ahead under her continued leadership.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Carpenter
Chair, Board of Trustees