A new candidate for the University’s top position has stepped into mix and is invited to visit campus next week.
The Chancellor Search Committee met for the third time Thursday and unanimously voted to invite Michael Martin, president of New Mexico State University.
This was the first time Martin was introduced to the Committee.
After the on-campus interviews, the search committee is expected meet next Friday to determine if it can make a recommendation to LSU System President John Lombardi.
Lombardi will then decide whether to send a recommendation forward to the LSU Board of Supervisors for approval.
Jack Hamilton, chairman of the Committee, spent a few days visiting potential candidates and thought Martin was the most qualified.
Martin, a specialist in agriculture and economics, will have a chance to visit the campus Tuesday and Wednesday and meet with University students, faculty and staff.
LSU System President John Lombardi formerly worked with Martin at the University of Florida for three years.
Martin was the senior vice president for Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Florida, and Lombardi said he was good in that role.
Hamilton, dean of the Manship School of Mass Communication, said the Committee will have an answer about Martin by Friday.
Hamilton said Martin is a strong leader and is well equipped to deal with external factors to being chancellor, including raising money and dealing with the Legislature.
“We’re very committed to this guy,” Hamilton said. “He’s worthy of this University, and I hope he decides to come. But in the end, it’s up to the Committee.”
Jon Whitmore, former president of Texas Tech University, was previously considered for the position but was recently hired by San Jose State University as its president.
Janie Fouke, provost at the University of Florida, was also considered for the job, but Hamilton said the committee did not find her to be qualified.
The Committee will meet three more times next week – twice to interview Martin and once to determine if it should send him to the LSU Board of Supervisors.
Check back at lsureveille.com for further updates.
—-Contact J.J. Alcantara at [email protected]