4/16/2026

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the Presidential Search Committee, I am writing to follow up with you regarding the upcoming listening sessions I referenced in my previous campus email on April 6, 2026.

A critical early step in this process is engaging broadly with our community to ensure that the priorities, aspirations, and values of the university are fully reflected in the leadership profile for our next president. To that end, we are pleased to announce a series of listening sessions with our search consultants.

These sessions are designed to provide faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders with an opportunity to share perspectives on:

  • The qualities, experiences, and leadership attributes most important in our next president
  • The opportunities and challenges facing University of Puget Sound
  • Our points of distinction that should be extolled to prospective candidates

Input gathered through these conversations will play a vital role in shaping the presidential leadership profile and guiding the recruitment and evaluation of candidates.

Listening Session Details
The search consultants from DSG will be hosting multiple sessions on campus on April 22 and April 23 to maximize participation. We hope you can attend one of the following sessions relevant to your constituent group:

Faculty Open Forum
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Thomas Hall, Tahoma Room

Staff Open Forum
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
2:30-3:30 p.m.
Thomas Hall, Tahoma Room

Student Open Forum
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
6:00-7:00 p.m. (with pizza!)
Wheelock Student Center, Upper Marshall Hall

General Open Session (for any campus member who is unable to attend their specific session)
Thursday, April 23, 2026
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Thomas Hall, Tahoma Room

Each session will be facilitated to encourage open dialogue in a collegial and productive environment. Participation is voluntary, and all perspectives are welcome.

Additional Ways to Share Input
We recognize that not everyone may be able to attend a session. Community members are also invited to contribute feedback through:

These additional channels ensure that all voices can be heard, regardless of availability.

About the Process
The Presidential Search Committee, working in partnership with DSG, will use the input gathered during this phase to develop a comprehensive leadership profile. This profile will guide the national search and help identify candidates who align with the university’s mission, values, and future ambitions.

We are committed to a process that is inclusive, thoughtful, and grounded in the perspectives of our community, recognizing that broad engagement is essential to a successful outcome.

Your Voice Matters
The selection of our next president is one of the most important decisions in the life of the university. Your insights and perspectives are essential to ensuring we identify a leader who can build on our strengths and guide University of Puget Sound into its next chapter.

We strongly encourage you to participate in a listening session or share your feedback through one of the available channels.

Thank you for your engagement and commitment.

Sincerely,

Beth M. Picardo ’83, J.D. ’86 | Chair of the Presidential Search Committee | Chair of the Board of Trustees