The search has begun.
    Within a month after Dr. Francis T. Borkowski announced his retirement, the Appalachian State chancellor search committee was formed and held its first meeting.
    The Appalachian commends the search committee for its early start.
    As UNC system president Molly C. Broad said at last week’s meeting, the committee is one of the first out of the gate and has a good chance of completing its work early next spring.
    But the committee should take to heart this is a difficult task they have ahead of them.
    In the course of Appalachian’s 104-year history there have only been five chancellors. Needless to say, finding a new chancellor is not something done every day.
    As senior administration retires, more responsibility is placed in the hands of the remaining leaders of the university.
    These men and women create the keystone that bonds the university.
    To those selected to serve on the search committee, your decision will affect both Appalachian’s immediate and long-term future.
    The next chancellor will help Appalachian adjust and grow for the 21st Century.
    As more and more students head off for college, the new chancellor must help Appalachian accommodate the expected enrollment increases.
    At the same time, the university must maintain an affordable education for those new students.
    The first job of the search committee is to define the position.
    That position must have a heavy priority on the university’s mission.
    The Appalachian State University Mission states “Appalachian takes as its mission the practice and propagation of scholarship. This is accomplished particularly through instruction, but also through the research, creative and service activities of the university community.
    “Appalachian is committed to excellence in its undergraduate and graduate educational programs, while continuing to serve as a center of cultural and professional activity within its state and region.”
    Appalachian State University is preparing for the future. It is in need of a leader to help the transition into the new millennium.
    With representation from all essential members of the Appalachian family, The Appalachian does not doubt the ability of the search committee to find a worthy successor.
    Although an early start is laudable, it is necessary to remember that a worthy successor may take time to find.
    The committee should focus on the best person for the position, and not heed time constraints.
    Good luck on the task ahead of you.