University administrators say they hope the third time’s the charm for filling the position of vice chancellor for Research and Economic Development — a position that has been vacant for years after two inconclusive searches.
“I think we’re going to find somebody,” said Thomas Klei, who holds the interim position. “There’s a determination to do it. I think they’re looking a little differently and a little harder. I think that the third time’s the charm.”
The search process began when Brooks Keel, now the president of Georgia Southern University, left around four years ago, Klei said.
Since then, two searches have resulted in no relief for interim vice chancellors Klei and Doris Carver, who now works at the National Science Foundation.
“I’m the interim vice [chancellor] – that means I didn’t really want to be or will be the permanent vice chancellor,” Klei said. “I agreed to do it for two years, and now it’s going on three.”
Before filling the vice chancellor position at former Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Jack Hamilton’s request, Klei worked as an associate dean in the Veterinary School.
“My plan is that I’ll go back to the vet school and focus on my research this summer,” Klei said.
Klei said he agreed to take the position because the University was experiencing budget cuts that put the office in a difficult position, but the trend has continued, deterring many who would be well-suited for the job.
“How budget cuts are affecting us is that we’re unable to fill some of the positions,” Klei said. “We’re in a difficult situation, and quality people are leaving here all the time. We’re losing the top level and hiring in at the bottom.”
Klei said despite a difficult budget situation, he retains a positive outlook.
“I’ve been here 37 years, so I know something about LSU. I’m going to die here. I have a real affection for the University and the state. But that’s not what sells the place. What we need to do is find someone who wants a challenge and has what it takes to do this,” Klei said. “Somebody in our case who will fit into the research culture and can develop those programs and actually increase the research activity of the University – not only increase it but improve it and maintain it.”
“I think we’re going to find somebody. There’s a determination to do it. I think they’re looking a little differently and a little harder. I think that the third time’s the charm.”
