Meet Incoming JU President Tim Cost at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 1

What: News conference in which Tim Cost will be introduced to the Jacksonville University campus, public and media as the next president of JU. Cost will answer questions as he prepares to take on this vital position in Northeast Florida. 

When: 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 1.

Where: Terry Concert Hall, Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd. N.

Details: Cost, a 1981 JU alumnus with a passion for its academic mission, a keen interest in attracting new investors and skill at forging new community relationships, was selected by the Board of Trustees on Friday, Oct. 26, as JU’s next president. Effective July 1, 2013, he will succeed JU President Kerry Romesburg, who has announced his retirement after a 45-year higher-education career.

A presidential search firm received applications since May from more than 80 candidates, from which JU’s Presidential Search Committee narrowed the field.

A consultant for PepsiCo whose most recent position with the company was Executive Vice President, Cost has several decades’ experience in top-level corporate positions. A JU Trustee since 2009, he has chaired JU committees on enrollment and retention, and development. In addition to his PepsiCo background, he brings more than 30 years’ senior executive experience at top companies such as Bristol-Myers Squibb, Kodak, ARAMARK, Wyeth and Pharmacia.

The Nov. 1 event will offer a chance to ask questions of Cost, as well as learn more about his background and objectives as he guides JU in a new era of growth.

“Working closely with the faculty and staff at the University, it will be an honor to serve,” Cost said. “Our objective is clear: to constantly improve the student experience and enhance our students’ success.”