Here are several updates on the AU President search which we announced last week.

We have hired the firm Spencer Stuart to assist American University in the search. Two of their top officials will serve as our lead consultants.

Michele Haertel, leads Spencer Stuart's Education, Nonprofit & Government Practice as well as the Academia & Research Practice; and Leslie Hortum, manages Spencer Stuart's Washington, D.C. office and is a member of the firm's Education, Nonprofit & Governmental Practice. Both bring a wealth of personal expertise combined with the firm's solid experience in higher education placement. They will help us construct a thorough search process; build a strong pool of candidates; coordinate the interviews; and guide us to a successful conclusion and a selection early next year.

Also of note, a university hosted website is now live (www.american.edu/presidentialsearch) that will provide updates on the search as it progresses.

The last memo identified the first of a series of listening sessions that begin this week and which will provide a number of opportunities for the AU community to discuss the search with members of the search committee, our consultants, and trustees. The schedule of those sessions is available online.

We have also set up a dedicated email account ( PresSearch@american.edu) for your questions, comments, and other feedback.

We look forward to your active participation in the search.