Presidential Search Update

BANNOCKBURN, IL, November 6, 2024 – As Trinity International University welcomes the changing leaves and crisp autumn air across campus, there is good news to share regarding the search for the next university president.

“We have made great progress over the summer, and we are on track to meet our goal to announce TIU’s 18th president by mid-2025,” said Bill Riedel, who serves on the TIU Board of Regents and as chair of the presidential search committee.

In October, members of the Presidential Search Committee and representatives from search firm Carter Baldwin met to receive an update about the search and discuss the logistics of applicant review. While the search remains open for applications (interested candidates ought to reach out to Carter Baldwin), the committee is actively working to narrow the pool of candidates and move forward toward interviews.

“We are impressed by the strength of the candidate pool,” Riedel said. “It’s encouraging to see the quality of candidates who love Trinity and want to see it flourish.”

Once a candidate is chosen, there will still be time needed for appropriate screenings, contract discussions, and more; however, Riedel is confident the search will continue to follow the search timeline shared with the university community this past August.

“The input and participation of the committee members has been invaluable as we work to select an outstanding leader for Trinity International University,” Board Chair Neil Nyberg said.

When the TIU Board of Regents asked the EFCA Board of Directors to release Kevin Kompelien to serve as president of Trinity, it was with the understanding that his availability to serve either the EFCA or TIU in a full-time capacity was limited by his plans to retire in the summer of 2025.

“My goal between the transition in March 2024 and next summer is to encourage the faculty, staff, and students,” said Kompelien. “I also hope to lay a good foundation for the next president, who will lead the way into the future.”

The search for Trinity’s next president began in June, with the approval of procedures to select a university president and the establishment of a presidential search committee led by Regent Bill Riedel.

Members of the university community participated in the development of the presidential leadership profile in the summer, and the completed profile was made public by Carter Baldwin in August. The Opportunity Profile was a major component of raising awareness about the position and narrowing the candidate pool, Riedel said.