Trustees to Launch Executive Search for Next President

Watret, who has served the university in various appointments for 26 years, is being invited and encouraged to apply, said Chairman of the Board Mori Hosseini.

“Dr. Watret has demonstrated his executive leadership skills throughout the past nine months. We will consider his experience and proven track record at Embry-Riddle; however, we must continue our due diligence to ensure that we have chosen the absolute best person to lead our university to the next level.”

Dr. Karen A. Holbrook, an Embry-Riddle Board of Trustees member since 2007, will act as Interim President during the search. Holbrook will assume the post on April 18.

As an Embry-Riddle trustee, Holbrook, 73, has served as Chair of the Academic Committee and is a member of the Committee on Trustees and the Executive and Investment committees. She currently serves as Senior Advisor to the President of the University of South Florida. Her past positions include Senior Vice President for Global Affairs and International Research at the University of South Florida, President of The Ohio State University, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Georgia, Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Florida, and Associate Dean at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

“My first priority will be to become more familiar with Embry-Riddle’s students, administrators, faculty and staff and learn about their priorities,” Holbrook said.

The university is experiencing an exciting period of growth, Holbrook said. She plans to continue to chart a course for success with a focus on expanding research and fundraising efforts.

 “We really are an exceptional university. With my national and global connections, I plan to connect the outside world with our unique people, facilities and capabilities,” she said.

Trustees, faculty, staff and students will serve on a presidential search committee. Hosseini, a three-time Embry-Riddle alumnus who also holds an honorary doctorate from the university, will oversee the group. Following the conclusion of the search, Holbrook will not pursue the position and will return to the Board of Trustees.

With Holbrook serving as an interim leader, Hosseini said the board expects more viable candidates will apply for the position. “This ensures that job candidates will not feel that another person has a head start.” 

The presidential search process will begin immediately. The new president will likely be in place within the next nine to 12 months, Hosseini said.

“Choosing Embry-Riddle’s next leader is the most important responsibility of the Board of Trustees,” Hosseini said. “The future president has a unique opportunity to shape the university’s growth and prepare the next generation of great innovators.”

See news media coverage on The Daytona Beach News-Journal and Prescott Courier websites.