August 30, 2006

MEDIA CONTACT: Tracy Schario

(202) 994-3566; tschario@gwu.edu

The George Washington University Board of Trustees LaunchES Presidential Search

Academic Search, Inc. Selected To Support Search Process

Washington - The George Washington University Board of Trustees has formally announced its search for the next president of the University through an advertisement in the Sept. 1 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education and the establishment of a Web site (www.presidentialsearch.gwu.edu) designed to provide information for interested candidates and the GW community. GW President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg will become President Emeritus and University Professor of Public Service when his current contract ends in the summer of 2007.

"The University is looking to continue to build on the growth and accomplishments achieved during President Trachtenberg's leadership," said W. Russell Ramsey, B.A. '81, vice chair of the board and chairman of the presidential search committee. "The search committee and the Board of Trustees will seek candidates who demonstrate entrepreneurial vision; institutional leadership, both internally and externally; a profound commitment to academic excellence; a demonstrated ability to raise funds in support of academic programs, scholarships, and endowment; and a proven record of community and national leadership."

The presidential search committee was announced in May 2006 and comprises nine trustees (including two alumni trustees, one emeritus trustee, and one former trustee), three faculty members, the president of the GW Alumni Association, and the president of GW Student Association. The search committee has met during the summer to address the pre-search requirements of selecting a search firm and preparing for the official launch of the search. The committee selected Academic Search, Inc. from a field of seven firms to manage the search process.

Located four blocks from the White House, The George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the nation's capital. The University offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business, and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 120 countries.

To learn more about the presidential search, please visit www.presidentialsearch.gwu.edu. To learn more about the University, please visit the GW News Center at www.gwnewscenter.org.

- GW -