The four candidates for executive vice chancellor and provost have made their case for the job, and a decision could come by the end of March.
A series of open forums, where each candidate gave his vision for the University and answered questions from the crowd, wrapped up March 9, and the search committee is taking a closer look at the candidates, said Thomas Klei, interim vice chancellor of research and economic development and head of the provost search committee.
Klei said the committee is waiting for the results of online candidate surveys that were open to the University community after each forum.
The results will not be available to the public, but Klei said he anticipates positive feedback.
“The applicants are happy with LSU, and the community seems to be happy with them,” Klei said. “Faculty and staff have been represented well in each process so far.”
Each candidate spent time on campus meeting with multiple members of the community, including the search committee, various faculty and staff representatives and Student Government President Cody Wells.
The search committee will soon discuss each candidate’s qualifications with Chancellor Michael Martin, but the members will not rank the candidates or show favoritism toward one, Klei said. The decision is then in Martin’s hands. Klei said Martin has expressed desire to choose a candidate by the end of March, but the deal may not be sealed. “The process is a two-way street,” Klei said.
The candidates’ visits to campus does not guarantee they would take the job if chosen, he said. The chosen candidate would likely visit campus a second time before accepting the position.
After negotiations are complete, the new provost will begin his job in July, when current Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Jack Hamilton leaves the position after two years. He plans to return to the Manship School of Mass Communication.
 
 
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Contact Brian Sibille at [email protected]