Furman University has begun the search for its next president.
President Elizabeth Davis has announced that she will retire on June 30, 2027, at the conclusion of the 2026–27 academic year. The Board of Trustees has appointed a Presidential Search Committee and retained an executive search firm to identify her successor.
Working with its firm partner, the committee will develop a position profile, identify and evaluate candidates, conduct the interview process, and submit the final recommendation to the Board of Trustees for approval. The committee welcomes input from the Furman community and will seek it throughout the search, while maintaining the confidentiality needed to attract a strong pool of candidates.
This website provides information about the search, including the committee’s membership, the firm supporting the process, and how to submit nominations. Updates will be posted here as the search moves forward.
Presidential Search Committee
The committee includes members of the Board of Trustees along with representatives of Furman’s faculty, staff, alumni, students, and administration.
- Jason Richards ’01 — Committee Chair; Vice Chair, Board of Trustees
- Cindy Davis ’84 — Chair, Board of Trustees
- Dr. Johnna Frierson ’05 — Trustee; Chair, Student Experience & Outcomes Committee
- Mark Kaiser ’79 — Trustee; Chair, Financial Health & Resources Committee
- Kem Wilson ’98 — Trustee; Chair, Investment Subcommittee
- Susan Shi ’71 — Emeritus Trustee
- Dr. Brandon Inabinet ’04 — Faculty Council Chair
- Dr. Jessica Hennessey — Chair, Department of Economics; Faculty Representative
- Stowe Barber ’94 — Alumni Board Chair
- Ashley Ivins — Staff Advisory Council Chair
- Libby Adams ’27 — President, Student Government Association
- Meredith Green ’05 — Vice President and General Counsel; Senior Administrative Team Representative
About the Search Firm
The Board of Trustees has retained Russell Reynolds Associates, a global executive search firm, to support us in our search for our next President.
Please direct all applications, nominations, and inquiries to this dedicated inbox.
Updates
Presidential Search Committee Update
Dear Furman Community, We are pleased to share an important update on the search for Furman's next president. The committee has partnered with Russell Reynolds Associates, a leading executive search firm, to support and assist...
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