The University of Minnesota replaced Storbeck/Pimentel as their presidential search firm after Michigan State announced they would also use them for their presidential search.
According to the Star Tribune, "Back in August, partners with Storbeck/Pimentel cautioned the U’s governing board that the university would be in direct competition with several peer institutions, including Michigan State University, that were also seeking new top administrators. Late last month, the firm signed on to help with Michigan State’s search."
In the same article, David McMillan, chair of the Board of Regents at UMN commented on the situation.
“We had a very different understanding — the board and the firm — of where their time would be committed and to whom,” McMillan said. “I don’t want their attention split. I don’t want competition for leading candidates.”
Alberto Pimentel, co-founder of Storbeck/Pimentel, believes that the decision won't disrupt the search process. He also believes that the firm could've handled both searches, and, at a presentation in August, told regents at Minnesota that other schools, including MSU, would be conducting similar searches at the same time.
Now, UMN has enlisted the help of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges to assist with the search to replace Eric Kaler, the university's current president, after his retirement in June 2019.
According to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press, "McMillan said the change will not slow down the search."
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