The University
of California has hired
consulting firm R. William Funk and Associates to aid in finding prospective
candidates for the position of UC president.

The decision, announced on Oct. 19, marks another milestone
in the ongoing search for the new systemwide leader, which began in mid-August
after current President Robert C. Dynes announced his intent to resign next
year.

Based in Dallas,
Texas, the firm is widely
considered to be one of the premier search consulting firms within the field of
higher education.

Having conducted recruiting searches for over 250
universities across the country, the company is now faced with the task of
finding leadership for the 10-campus system.

The company’s services come at a fee of $90,000 plus
expenses, and will extend over a period of 12 months or until the search is
completed.

Richard C. Blum, chairman of the UC Board of Regents,
expressed his satisfaction with the selection of the search firm.

“The selection of a new president is obviously a crucial
step in charting the future of the university,” Blum said in a press release.
“The regents are confident that Funk and Associates will provide the UC
community with the professional assistance to identify the best candidates for
the position of leading the world’s pre-eminent public research university.”

According to the UC Office of the President, the recruitment
search will be conducted personally by company founder Bill Funk. With years of
experience in collegiate executive recruitment, Funk has come to be regarded as
one of the top higher education insiders in the nation.

“The presidency of the University of California is one of
the most important positions in all of higher education,” Funk said. “We are
pleased to have been entrusted by the regents to assist them in identifying and
recruiting the very best possible candidates. We will cast a wide net to help
find the most exemplary and qualified leaders for this role.”

Founded as a consulting firm focused solely on higher
education services, R. William Funk and Associates prides itself on dedication
to its academic clientele and its wide range of experience.

Having placed more than 70 current university presidents,
the firm has served such institutions as Cornell University, Tulane University,
the University of Washington and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, among
others.

In addition, the firm has also conducted searches for
candidates at the chancellor, provost, vice president and dean levels.

No deadline has been set for the recruitment process. Dynes
will officially step down in June 2008,
or when a replacement is found.