Washington and Lee’s next president must possess certain traits to maintain the university’s prestige and traditions, and to  avoid repeating recent mistakes.

Washington and Lee University is undertaking a leadership search that could define the university for years to come, and W&L community members cannot trust the administration to put the school’s best interests ahead of its ideological preferences.

Following the announcement of President Dudley’s resignation, the Washington and Lee University administration established the Presidential Search Committee, composed of students, alumni, faculty and other members of the W&L community, to identify potential candidates.

The Committee has recently published a profile outlining what they are looking for in the next president. The Spectator agrees with most of this profile. However, The Spectator also believes the Committee is omitting essential characteristics that the next president must have.

The Spectator calls on the Presidential Search Committee to ensure that the next president is someone with a prior connection to the university, fairly supports academic freedom and inquiry, and commits to political neutrality.