Your path: Johansen Appointed as President
Judith Johansen Appointed as
13th Marylhurst University President
April 9, 2008
Dear Marylhurst Community,
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that the Board of Trustees of Marylhurst is announcing the appointment of Judith A. Johansen to succeed Dr. Nancy Wilgenbusch as President of Marylhurst University on July 1, 2008.
When Nancy informed me of her decision to retire almost a year ago, I saw the task of selecting our next President as daunting. I knew the selection process would take most of the year that Nancy gave us. We would need time to provide ample opportunity for input from all Marylhurst constituents as we defined the position. We would need to identify and recruit candidates and to again involve all constituents as we interviewed finalists and made a selection. I knew the process of selection would be healthy for Marylhurst, causing each of us to explore exactly what Marylhurst is and what it most needs for the future. I had no doubt that we would have many qualified applicants, but I also knew that Marylhurst needed a special person to fill this important leadership role. "Fit" was a critical criterion.
In selecting Judi Johansen, I feel we found a person who is a terrific fit for Marylhurst. Judi resonates fully with our mission and heritage. She is a proven organizational leader and strategic thinker. She has a passion for the liberal arts and the value of teaching and education. She is a good listener and quick learner. She knows how to bring out the best in people, including those with expertise beyond her own. She is a relationship builder. She has financial acumen. She is well respected in our community and will be able to bring visibility to Marylhurst and effectively communicate our story externally. In sum, I expect that she will be an impact player inside and outside the University.
I want to thank all of you for your valuable participation in the search process. I also want to ask for your support for Judi and for Marylhurst in the transition of leadership, which will occur on July 1. I would like to invite you to a reception at which time we will formally announce Judi’s appointment and celebrate together. It will be held Sunday, April 27 on the Marylhurst campus.
Finally, I want to acknowledge Nancy Wilgenbusch and all that she has done for Marylhurst. We have three more months to enjoy Nancy’s presidency, and we will be celebrating her accomplishments throughout that time.
Very truly yours,
Ruth Beyer
Chair of the Board of Trustees and
Chair of the Presidential Search Committee