Finalist for Oakland University President Named

Camden Named Finalist for Oakland University President

Oakland University’s presidential search process has brought forth the first of two finalists: Carl T. Camden, who today announced he is stepping down as president and chief executive officer at Kelly Services effective May 10, 2017. 

“Camden, whose career began in academia, is an unexpected but vibrant finalist that would fit our growing university,” said Richard L. DeVore, Oakland University Board chair. “It’s an exciting time for the university as we continue to make tremendous strides and this search is yet another opportunity to ensure that success continues.”

Last October, Oakland University’s Board of Trustees formed a search committee that worked with a national search firm which facilitated the selection process. The Oakland University Board recently selected two finalists from the pool of recommended candidates. Camden will be on campus on Monday, April 17 for an open forum and interviews, starting at 10:00 a.m. in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms.

Camden represents a non-traditional and innovative selection by the board. The span of his career includes a 22-year stint at the helm of Kelly Services, where he became a recognized thought leader on talent management and how companies can adapt to a changing economic landscape. He also regularly consulted with leaders of many of the largest corporations in the world.

Camden also comes from a diverse professional and educational background, which lends to his immense qualifications and experience. He earned three degrees (including a Ph.D.) by the age of 25, and has been a marketing executive for a bank holding company; co-president of an advertising agency; co-founder of a behavioral research group; and a tenured university professor.

He is a member of the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers from leading U.S. companies. He also serves on the board of directors for the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce; and served on the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Detroit Branch; the Labor Advisory Committee for the Federal Reserve Bank; the board of visitors of Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business; and the board of trustees for the University of Detroit Mercy, among others.

Camden earned a doctorate degree from The Ohio State University, a master’s degree at Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri); and a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Baptist University.