A Leadership Search Amid a Global Pandemic
In late fall 2019, California Lutheran University (CLU) began its search for a new university president, partnering with Academic Search, a highly regarded executive search firm specializing in higher education leadership. Jay Lemons, the firm’s president, played a key role in guiding the process.
As the search continued into the spring of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic emerged as a major disruption, reshaping the entire search process. Despite the challenges, CLU remained committed to moving the process forward and finding a qualified and visionary leader to guide the university into the future.
Challenges in the Presidential Search
One of the biggest obstacles that surfaced during the search process was scheduling in-person interviews for semifinalists. Candidates in this group were asked to select interview dates in mid-March 2020, just as the pandemic was escalating.
A particularly pivotal moment occurred on March 19, 2020—the scheduled interview date for Lori Varlotta, a semifinalist in the selection process. Varlotta, then sitting president of Hiram College in Ohio, had flown across the country to participate in the California interview. On the day of her interview, California’s governor announced a statewide stay-at-home order, initiating what would become a ten-month lockdown. As a result, Varlotta was unable to return to the Midwest as originally scheduled.
Shifting to Virtual Recruitment
Just as one of the semi-finalists was working through these major disruptions, so was the hiring institution, California Lutheran University. All the while the university remained dedicated to a thorough and strategic hiring process. As such, California Lutheran quickly transitioned to virtual interviews, using Zoom panel discussions to evaluate semifinalists. Meanwhile, Academic Search conducted extensive background checks, candidate evaluations, and due diligence to ensure the best choice for CLU’s leadership.
During this same time, Varlotta continued leading Hiram College remotely, demonstrating her ability to manage crises and drive institutional progress from a distance. Her tenure at Hiram was widely recognized, culminating in a prestigious honor—the university’s academic quad was named after her.
Key Takeaways from the CLU Presidential Search
The 2019-2020 presidential search at CLU highlights several important lessons in higher education leadership:
Adapting to Uncertainty—Universities must be flexible and prepared for unexpected disruptions.
The Power of Virtual Hiring—The pandemic reinforced the importance of remote recruitment, digital interviews, and online decision-making.
Effective Crisis Management in Leadership—Strong leaders can navigate unforeseen challenges, ensuring continuity and stability.
Conclusion
Despite the difficulties posed by COVID-19, California Lutheran University successfully navigated its search process and leadership transition, showcasing institutional resilience, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. The process serves as a model for modern executive searches in academia, demonstrating that even the most challenging situations can be overcome with the right strategy.
