The search for a new vice president for academic affairs is on, and the list of candidates has been narrowed down to a mere four. Though there is no specific time frame for the selection, University officials are optimistic about the candidates.Sixty-nine potential candidates were initially considered for the position. The list was then cut down to 21, then 10 and now four finalists are vying for the position that has been open for almost a year.

The narrow field is now down to the process of University interviews taking place this week. According to Betty Kleen, chairperson for the provost and vice president for academic affairs search committee, once candidates arrive on campus for initial interviews, their time is busy and informative. Candidates have interviews with the search committee, the academic council for the University, University vice presidents and Stephen Hulbert, University president.

Candidates also have an open interview which takes place in the Student Union, where the floor is open for faculty, staff and students to pose questions or simply listen to what candidates have to say.

“People are welcome to just come and listen,” Kleen said. “Or, if they want to pose questions to the candidates, they can certainly do that.”

Once all applicants have gone through the interview process, the University search committee meets to discuss each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. The committee then meets with Hulbert to give recommendations, with the final decision resting in his hands.

Kleen hopes the new vice president will be chosen soon to avoid any qualified candidates from turning down the position due to opportunities at other universities. “For the good of the University, we do want to do this as expediently as possible,” Kleen said. “Often candidates may be interviewing at more than one school. The earlier we can complete this the earlier we can get them (the final decision) to accept (the position).”

Hulbert must submit the name of the finalist selected for the vice president for academic affairs position to the Board of Supervisors for final approval.

“I think we have a good interviewing schedule that does allow lots of interested folks to meet the candidates and listen to what they have to say,” Kleen said. “I think things are going well at this point.