A detailed profile identifying expected qualifications for the next president of Williston State College (WSC) was submitted Thursday at the first meeting of the WSC Presidential Search Committee.

The profile is designed to assist the committee in reducing the overall applications to three finalists. David Ponitz is the consultant hired by the State Board of Higher Education who drafted the profile reviewed at Thursday's meeting. In discussing the profile with the committee Thursday, a few minor changes were made to the draft before the SBHE reviews it on Sept. 18 for final approval. Ponitz is making additional changes to the profile as suggested by the 15 committee members and is resubmitting it on Monday via e-mail.

The profile gives professional experience equal importance as individual skills. Eligible candidates would have a doctorate degree, experience in education and evidence of effective partnerships with groups important to the Williston area such as oil/gas production, agri-business, healthcare, workforce, non-profit organizations and education.

Candidates also need to be at a senior management level with related experience in resource development, budgeting, strategic planning and program development.

Equally important is the ability to understand and adequately address the the needs of WSC in a comprehensive fashion, said Ponitz. He or she needs to be a visionary who is able to solve problems decisively but with integrity; a person with strong leadership and communication skills and energetic enough to understand the importance of having a meaningful college experience. Terry Olson, WSC foundation executive director, as well as numerous committee member, agreed the next college president must encourage a more "vibrant campus," which they believe could attract more students and energize the community.