Thompson Rivers University remains on the hunt for a new president.

Last month, after an extensive annual presidential evaluation, the university’s board of governors unanimously voted to oust Kathleen Scherf, contending the board lacked confidence in the rookie president’s leadership skills and judgment.

Recruiting firm Ray and Berndtson was hired on by the university to aid in the international search.

The same firm was used in Scherf’s hiring and has also found presidents for Royal Roads University in Victoria and the College of New Caledonia in the Cariboo.

The new chairman of the board of governors, Karl deBruijn, said the plan is to get the company on campus immediately, surveying faculty, unions and students.

“The firm will be reviewing the profile of what we want in the president, their qualifications and background we’re looking for,” he said.

From that, the firm will then launch an international search, head-hunting some of the best professionals in the industry in January, February and March.

In the meantime, a presidential-search committee is also being established and will consist of seven members from faculty, students, alumni and the board, all of whom will be appointed by the university senate on Nov. 23.

“That committee will work directly with the search firm and, in the end, they will present a shortlist of candidates to the board,” deBruijn said.

The final candidates will be brought back for more in-depth interviews, from which a new president will be chosen by the board of governors, likely in May or June.

Until then, former president Roger Barnsley will continue to serve as the university’s interim president.

Thompson Rivers University’s new board

of governors, elected or appointed this week:

• Chancellor: Nancy Greene-Raine

• Interim president and vice-chancellor: Roger H. Barnsley

• Appointed by the lieutenant-governor in council: Karl deBruijn, chair,

Michael Parker, vice-chair, Fiona Chan, Brian Christianson, David

Dickson, Diane Jules, Ron Olynyk and Frank Quinn

• Elected by faculty: Lian Dumouchel and Peter Poeschek

• Elected by students: Melissa Schuurman and Natalie Reisle

• Elected by non-faculty employees: Stacey Jyrkkanen