Washington State University’s nationwide search for a permanent provost is still underway, and candidate qualifications remain high.

The hunt began last November when WSU President Elson S. Floyd announced the formation of a faculty-led search committee.

Hired by WSU, Texas-based consulting firm R. William Funk & Associates has the responsibility of seeking out a pool of candidates to serve as provost and executive vice president.

WSU and R. William Funk & Associates are welcoming community feedback at provostsearch.wsu.edu about the provost search through April 15.

Daniel J. Bernardo, interim-provost and executive vice president, said variants of leadership and the ability to adapt to change are among the several requirements desired in potential contenders.

“The job is no longer staying in Pullman and running internal operations of the university,” Bernardo said. “They need to have a blend of both internal and external abilities.” 

Floyd named Bernardo interim-provost and executive vice president, replacing Warwick M. Bayly in June, 2013. Bayly resigned to pursue health-related research. Bernardo said he recognizes the significance of the job and that a wealth of administrative history is necessary in order to function in the role next to President Floyd.

“They need to have a great deal of experience in academic experience in leading complex organizations,” Bernardo said. “Certainly they need to have experiences in deans, department chairs, and various positions that lead up the provost.”

He said provost candidates should possess a certain charisma about them and ought to demonstrate innovativeness and effective communication. 

“Most importantly I think they need to have more of an entrepreneurial spirit than we’ve ever needed or had perhaps in this position in the past,” Bernardo said. “I think the provost really has to be somebody who can identify opportunities and connect those opportunities back to the university and faculty.”

Kathy Barnard, executive director of University Communications, said the search team is looking for candidates with an eye for teamwork and the ability to sustain a positive university image.

“The provost-executive vice president position is critical for the future of the institution,” Barnard said. “We’re looking for someone who is a strong academic themselves.”

Barnard said it’s about understanding the mission of the university as well.

“They understand the big-picture vision that fits into the overall strategic plan of the institution,” she said.  

Floyd will make the ultimate decision in selecting a provost, Barnard said.

Bernardo said he has enjoyed his time serving as provost and executive vice president.

“This is a really challenging job, but one where you can have tremendous impact and make enormous contributions to the university,” he said.

He said he would be willing to consider the opportunity of continuing in his role.

“I serve at the leisure of the president,” he said. “If President Floyd wanted me to continue in this role, in an interim role or a permanent role, I would certainly be willing to have those discussions.”