DWU's Duffett was finalist for Indiana post

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Dakota Wesleyan University President Robert Duffett was a finalist for the presidency of another university but took his name out of consideration, he said Monday.

Duffett, who has been DWU’s president since 2000, was one of three finalists for the presidency of The University of Indianapolis. He visited the campus in March.

Robert Manuel, associate provost and dean of the School of Continuing Studies at Georgetown University, was selected over the weekend.

The other finalist was Thomas Wolfe, senior vice president and dean of the Division of Student Affairs at Syracuse University. Beverly Pitts is retiring as president after seven years.

“I withdrew last week,” Duffett said Monday. “I was nominated for the position, I didn’t seek it. Great place, but I withdrew. I got a good gig here. It’s one of those things that happened.”

It’s at least the second time Duffett has been reported as a candidate for the presidency of another university. He declined to disclose if he has applied or been considered for more jobs.

Duffett, 56, said he is pleased to stay at DWU.

“I’m the second-longest serving president in DWU history,” he said. “I like what I’m doing here. I like Mitchell. We’ve got some exciting things coming up here.”

The University of Indianapolis, which is known as UIndy, is a private college located on nearly 50 acres in downtown Indianapolis. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church (as is DWU) and was founded in 1902.

UIndy has a home campus of more than 5,200 students, a branch in Athens, Greece, and partnership sites in Asia and Central America.

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