The search to replace College Dean Edward Ayers has come to a head this week as the four finalists are visiting the University for on-Grounds interviews.
Since January a search committee chaired by Religious Studies Prof. James Childress has been researching candidates to replace Ayers, who will leave in July to become president of the University of Richmond.
According to Childress, the search has been narrowed to four remaining candidates. These individuals have been participating in meetings and luncheons with administrators, students and groups of faculty members representing every College department, all of whom will be able to give their input to the search committee.
"It's been good to see how the candidates interact with these different groups," committee member Alison Booth said.
The search committee will use the input given by the different groups to recommend one or more finalists to University President John T. Casteen, III, who will make the final selection.
"We hope to make a decision by early May," Childress said.
According to Childress, the committee is looking for an established scholar with strong administrative skills and qualities that would be valuable in fundraising.
"At this point the main function of the incoming dean is to raise funds to help the College sponsor new programs and hiring new faculty," Booth said. "The dean needs to be able to talk to alumni and contact corporations and foundations that might be able to help us in moving the College forward."
Booth also stressed the need for the dean to be knowledgeable about the different departments in the College to ensure the "excellent quality of teaching and research we have continues."
"[The search committee] has been impressed by the high quality applicants and the four finalists," Booth said.
The committee--comprised of 20 members, includeing Board of Visitors member Glynn Key, three members of the College Foundation, two undergraduate students, one graduate student and several faculty members--began its search by reviewing material about interested candidates provided through nominations and a search firm.
The candidates were then invited to a first round of interviews, during which the committee narrowed the search to the four finalists participating in on-Grounds interviews.
According to Childress, the University plans to hire the new provost, to replace outgoing provost Gene Block, before choosing a new dean, because the dean will have to report to the provost.
He added that some changes will occur with the arrival of the new dean, but several faculty members want to ensure the new dean is involved in any changes that are made.
"Changes will most likely occur, not just because it is a new person but because of things that need to changes within the school," Childress said.
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