The Board of Trustees steering committee is currently interviewing search firms to guide the university in a nationwide presidential search.  McClain will be forming a search committee comprised of faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members.  

"This is a very critical time in the history of Quincy University and the board has the utmost confidence in Mike's leadership to help guide us through this important process," said Father Tom Nairn, OFM, chair of the QU Board of Trustees.

Dr. Robert Gervasi, QU's 22nd President and the only lay person to hold the position, announced his resignation in March after accepting the presidency of Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, OH. Phil Conover is serving as acting president until a new president is named.

Conover joined QU in December as chief operating officer and has been working to restore the university to financial equilibrium.  He has been instrumental in establishing two-plus-two agreements with local community colleges, launching a new strategic plan and working to set up multiple new student recruitment initiatives.  In addition, Conover has assisted with the University's Financial Recovery fundraising campaign that has raised $4.2M towards its five-year $7M goal in just seven months.