GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 29, 2009 – Davenport University has completed an extensive, four-month national search with the selection of the university’s next president.
Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D., president of National-Louis University in Chicago, accepted the position of Davenport University president following a unanimous vote in favor of his appointment by the board of trustees. He is expected to officially begin his duties as president in August, prior to the start of Davenport’s coming academic year.
Pappas has 35 years of experience in higher education, including 20 years as a university president. He served as president of Lake Michigan College, in Benton Harbor, and president of Harford Community College, in Bel Air, Md. He holds a doctorate in higher, adult and continuing education, and a master’s degree in higher education and business management, both from the University of Michigan
The Davenport University Presidential Search Committee was formed last December to conduct an extensive national search and narrowed the pool to two finalists – Pappas and Dr. H. James Williams, Dean of the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. The search committee voted unanimously to recommend to the board of trustees the appointment of Pappas as DU president.
Through extensive interviews of two finalists and video presentations of interviews, all Davenport employees and students were given the opportunity to provide input to the search committee. Members of the Foundation Board had the opportunity to meet with the candidates, and members of the community were invited early on to provide recommendations on potential candidates.
“The search committee’s thorough process in identifying and screening an extremely qualified pool of candidates was highly evident to the board of trustees. The board was impressed with both Dr. Pappas and Dr. Williams,” said Ken Bovee, chairman of the Davenport University Board of Trustees and member of the search committee. “Both exhibited a passion for students and academic quality.”
Bovee further noted that the board based its decision for selecting Dr. Pappas on his successful track record in strategic planning, academics, admissions, fund-raising, alumni relations and community leadership.
About Davenport University
Davenport University – the only West Michigan-based private university specializing in business, technology and health professions – serves an enrollment of more than 11,000 students at its campus in Grand Rapids, locations throughout Michigan, and online. Davenport focuses on innovative, practical and affordable education and offers graduate and undergraduate programs. More information is available at www.davenport.edu
