The committee searching for the University’s new executive vice chancellor and provost hopes to narrow down the large number of applicants for the job to three or four finalists by the end of February.
More than 100 people have already applied for the position through search firm Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc., according to Thomas Klei, vice chancellor of research and economic development.
Greenwood/Asher has been collecting information from potential candidates over the last few months. Prospective provosts in the applicant pool have either been nominated by University staff and faculty, found by the firm or replied to a University job ad.
Klei said Greenwood/Asher will submit its findings to the University search committee after all candidates’ information has been organized, and the selection process begins at that point.
Greenwood/Asher does not participate in the selection process, Klei said.
“Once someone says yes to being considered, they agree to have their name listed publicly, and background searches begin,” he said.
The small group of finalists selected by the University search committee will visit campus before final decisions are made, when they will interact with the University community and meet with different student and faculty groups.
Chancellor Michael Martin ultimately decides who will be hired, Klei said. Whoever is chosen will begin the job when current Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Jack Hamilton steps down at the end of this semester.
In addition to taking nominations for the position, Greenwood/Asher also seeks candidates from a large list of current and former university administrators across the country who can be approached directly about the position, Klei said.
The University’s recent budget cut setbacks are a concern when trying to attract someone from a different state or institution, Klei said.
He said candidates have to see the good the University has done despite budgetary troubles before they can consider taking the position and moving to the South.
“We were hurt by [the past budget cuts], but we’re still a good university,” he said.
 
—-
Contact Brian Sibille at [email protected]