Chancellor Mark Emmert is a candidate for the presidency of the University of Washington, according to an article in Friday’s edition of The Seattle Times.
In the article, LSU System President William Jenkins said there would be an evaluation of Emmert’s qualifications for the position.
“There will be a review of his credentials, clearly there will be a discussion on his potential candidacy, and perhaps it will proceed,” Jenkins told the Seattle Times.
The University of Washington Board of Regents is meeting Friday afternoon, where the presidential-search committee is expected to present a report on the search.
LSU spokesman Gene Sands said they should know more after the University of Washington Board of Regents meets this afternoon to discuss the candidates for the position.
“Obviously Dr. Emmert is being considered for a position out there,” Sands said.
Gov. Kathleen Blanco issued a statement on the situation early this afternoon.
“I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the strategic vision and focus that Chancellor Emmert has brought to LSU,” she said in the statement. “I am committed to helping him enhance LSU’s status as the state’s flagship university. And I am hopeful that he will remain in his job and help me as I work to improve our state’s higher education system.”
The University of Washington presidency has been open for nearly a year and a half, after members of the Board of Regents encouraged former President Richard McCormick to leave in November 2002 because of an inappropriate romantic relationship with a female member of his administration.
Lee Huntsman served as interim president until November 2003, when he was named president for the duration of the presidential search.
Emmert was named LSU chancellor in April 1999. He is a native of Tacoma, Washington and a University of Washington alumni. He received his bachelor of arts degree in political science from the university.
Emmert is in New Orleans today for a conference, according to a secretary in his office. His wife, Delaine, said she was not in a position to comment on the situation.
Officials from the University of Washington were unavailable for comment this morning.