The University of Alabama System has begun a national search for the next president of The University of Alabama in Huntsville. A presidential search advisory committee has been appointed to guide the process, which includes gathering input from stakeholders, developing the position profile and criteria, and recruiting and evaluating candidates.

“UAH is a premier research university on the rise and located in one of the most dynamic cities in the nation, making this presidency an incredibly attractive opportunity for a visionary leader,” said UA System Board of Trustees President Pro Tempore Scott Phelps. “I am confident this search will result in an outstanding president eager to further elevate UAH. This search is of the highest priority, and I want to thank the members of the search advisory committee for their service.”

The UAH Presidential Search Advisory Committee is composed of representatives from UAH’s faculty, students, administration, alumni, and the Huntsville community, as well as members of the Board of Trustees and UA System leadership. Trustee Evelyn VanSant Mauldin, a north Alabama native and member of the Board, will chair the committee.

“As a lifelong resident of this region and a proud supporter of UAH, I am honored to lead this important process,” said Trustee Mauldin. “UAH plays a critical role in our state by providing high-quality education, fueling research and innovation, and driving economic growth. The university is on a strong upward trajectory, and we look forward to identifying a transformational leader who will build on that momentum and steer UAH into its next chapter.”

To support the search, the UA System has engaged executive search consultants Lori Hemmer and Barry Vines of ZRG, a global talent firm with a dedicated Education Practice. ZRG brings deep experience and insight to this national search, with over 2,100 searches completed for more than 300 educational institutions across the country. Vines previously partnered with UAH in the successful search that led to the appointment of former president Robert Altenkirch.

Upon the completion of the search, UA System Chancellor Sid J. Trant will recommend a final presidential candidate to the Board of Trustees for approval.

UAH Presidential Search Advisory Committee Chair

Evelyn VanSant Mauldin, Board of Trustees

UAH Presidential Search Advisory Committee Members

Dr. Amit Arora, Member, UAH Foundation; Co-founder, Neurology Consultants of Huntsville
Ronald Gray, Board of Trustees
Jeff Gronberg, Board of Trustees
Dr. Tonjanita Johnson, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, The University of Alabama System
DeMarco McClain, Area President, Bank Independent
Dr. Tommy Morris, Director, UAH Center for Cybersecurity Research and Education; Professor and Eminent Scholar of Computer Engineering, UAH College of Engineering
Chris Pinckard, President, UAH Student Government Association
Dr. Jodi Price, Interim Dean and Foundation King-McDonald Eminent Scholars Professor, UAH College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences
Sid J. Trant, Chancellor, The University of Alabama System
Lynn Troy, UAH Alumna; Member, UAH Foundation; Founder, Troy 7, Inc.
Dr. Kenneth Vandervoort, Board of Trustees
Dr. Andrea Word, President, UAH Faculty Senate; Clinical Assistant Professor, College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; Project Director, Project Dial

Listening Sessions

The UAH Presidential Search Advisory Committee will hold virtual listening sessions for campus community members and university supporters to share feedback and comments on characteristics, qualifications and credentials they believe are essential for the next president of UAH.

The committee will host one-hour listening sessions focused on faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the local community, and will ask participants to respond to a series of questions and prompts. A listening session will also be held on Friday, Oct. 31, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for anyone who is unable to attend their designated session or is interested in sharing feedback.

The listening sessions will be conducted via Zoom, with a maximum capacity of 500 attendees per session due to licensing restrictions. Participants must register to reserve a spot and receive the meeting credentials.

Community: Monday, Oct. 27, 10 – 11 a.m. CDT
- Zoom registration link:
  https://uasystem.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Faf89BfQSPySA1OP8a9Obg

Students: Monday, Oct. 27, 3 – 4 p.m. CDT
- Zoom registration link:
  https://uasystem.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NkNE8CpjQbSf2djiD7tC3g

Staff: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. CDT
- Zoom registration link:
  https://uasystem.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9YAZ4gPCRASS2uvzxq8pxA

Alumni: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 10 – 11 a.m. CDT
- Zoom registration link:
  https://uasystem.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YU98nRtGSd2M6efN5Fb5zA

Faculty: Thursday, Oct. 30, 4 – 5 p.m. CDT
- Zoom registration link:
  https://uasystem.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FkKkrjo8QCKcblYCgroS3A

Open: Friday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CDT
- Zoom registration link:
  https://uasystem.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cuzazNosQPeFKzVufPxRYg

Individuals can also submit feedback and input regarding essential presidential characteristics, qualifications and credentials and other feedback relevant to the search via a dedicated email address: uahpresident@zrgpartners.com.