Early Bird

Next steps in the Human Resources AVP search

The University will engage a consultant to help identify an ideal candidate for the position.

By Lindsey Coulter

March 12, 2019

The search continues for Metropolitan State University of Denver’s next associate vice president for Human Resources. After meeting with three candidates earlier this year, the search committee declined to issue an offer in hopes of identifying a truly outstanding leader for the office.

“While each candidate brought certain strengths, after meeting with each of them we didn’t feel they brought the kind of vision needed for this role,” said George Middlemist, Ph.D., associate vice president for Administration/CFO and current interim vice president for Administration. “We decided it would be best to rethink how we marketed the position to identify that visionary leader.”

In the coming weeks the search committee will be reevaluating what Middlemist calls the “intangible qualities” members are seeking in candidates. The committee will also engage the services of a search firm to expand the candidate pool.

“We are not willing to simply settle for filling this position; the successful candidate must possess strong vision and leadership qualities,” Middlemist said. “While we feel a sense of urgency to fill the position, we will take our time to make sure we get the hire right.”

In the interim, those with questions about the search process can contact Middlemist, while general Human Resources questions can be directed to Angela Bender, associate director of Talent Strategy, Office of Human Resources.

“We appreciate the patience that the University community has shown us throughout the search process,” Middlemist said. “And I personally appreciate the extra hard work that the HR team is doing in the absence of a day-to-day leader.”