By Kristina Goetz
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The committee charged with finding the next president of the University of Cincinnati had its first in-depth discussion Thursday about how to sell the university to potential candidates. They want to advertise it as an institution that has both national stature and potential.

Momentum is building to find the successor to Joseph Steger, who announced his retirement on Nov. 1 after more than 18 years.

Charles Knapp is a partner with Heidrick & Struggles in Atlanta, the executive search firm hired to help the committee recruit candidates.

He will visit campus next month to talk to faculty, students and staff about what type of president they want. Knapp will also meet with civic leaders.

"I may start getting my toe in the water pretty quickly," said Knapp, a former president at the University of Georgia, about contacting potential recruits.

The firm will help the 13-member search committee manage applications, advertise the position in local and national publications and seek out those in academia as well as the business world who fit the profile that the group has put together.

Constituents want an informed leader with a view of higher education compatible to UC's mission and values.

The person must not only have a strong commitment to academic standards, but must be able to raise funds and act as a catalyst for change in a community that has faced both economic and racial problems.

Committee chairman Jeff Wyler, who is also a member of the UC Board of Trustees, said he expects to have a list of candidates within 60 days.

Steger's contract expires June 30 but he has agreed to stay on as interim president if needed.

E-mail kgoetz@enquirer.com