College of DuPage trustees to start review of president candidates

College of DuPage trustees on Thursday night officially will get the names of the three finalists for the school's president position.

After a process that took months, a presidential search committee last week unanimously recommended the three individuals for the job to replace Robert Breuder.

Search committee Chairman Lee Daniels is going to present a report to the full board during a special meeting. Before the presentation, trustees will talk behind closed doors, according to the agenda for the meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Room 2000 of the Student Resource Center.

"We are grateful for the tremendous service the presidential search committee has performed on behalf of this community," said Deanne Mazzochi, the board's acting chairwoman. "Selecting the college's next president is of the utmost importance as we move this institution into a new era of success."

Acting Interim President Joseph Collins has been overseeing the daily operations of the Glen Ellyn-based school since last April, when former president Breuder was placed on paid administrative leave amid state and federal investigations into COD's spending and administrative practices. Breuder was fired in October.

Trustee Dianne McGuire, who previously raised questions about the search process, said it will be interesting to see the list of finalists.

"The most important attribute I hope to see in a new president is vision," McGuire said. "If there is one constant in life, it is change and we must always be reaching for the next challenge. A president with vision will embrace the future."

As part of its review of the finalists, the COD board is expected to conduct public forums to introduce the individuals. If everything goes as planned, trustees could pick the school's next president in May.