Smith to lead search for new Brenau president

GAINESVILLE - A longtime member of the Brenau University Board of Trustees has been chosen to lead the search for a new Brenau president.

Retired U.S. District Court Judge Sidney O. Smith, Jr., of Gainesville will head the search committee which will include other trustee members and alumni, faculty, staff and student representatives.

Dr. John S. Burd, the president of Brenau since 1985, plans to retire June 30.

The University has employed the Atlanta-based executive search firm Jon McRae & Associates, Inc., whose work is limited to recruiting presidents, vice presidents and deans for educational institutions.

McRae founded the firm in 1968 and has conducted hundreds of search assignments for institution of higher education, independent schools and not-for-profit organizations.

McRae says the firm looks forward to assisting Brenau in its search for a new leader who can leverage to an even higher level the excellent foundation established by President Burd and the Board of Trustees.

"The ideal candidate for this opportunity will have broad experience in private education with a record of successful fund raising, academic accomplishment, administrative leadership community relations and budget management, as well as strategic and organizational planning," he said.

The Presidential Search Committee will evaluate potential candidates during the coming months with the goal of submitting a nomination to the Board of Trustees so that an appointment can be made in conjunction with the retirement of Dr. Burd.