The University of Wyoming is a step closer to finding a new President. The first committee involved in the search has approved a list of semifinalists for the job.
UW Trustees are keeping the names on that list private for now. They also would not share how many names are on it, but the original plan called for about 15 candidates.
Trustee Jeff Marsh chaired the committee. He says they came up with a diverse pool, but there’s more work ahead.
“Probably the biggest challenge would be our inability to dialogue with these candidates,” says Marsh. “Quite frankly, when you’re reviewing their CVs and their bios and their letters and information about them, it’s kind of difficult to get a sense of personality to some degree.”
On Thursday, a second search committee will begin its work narrowing down that list. Three to 5 finalists will come to campus for public forums, likely in December.
Marsh says the search to replace Dick McGinity has included plenty of public input so far.
“I think it has been positive,” says Marsh. “And for those folks who’ve had an interest, who want to share their thoughts and express their desires about the next president, certainly we’ve given them an opportunity. I can also tell you that the feedback we’ve received as trustees was not only just good, but it was very thoughtful.”
The University could name a new president by as soon as the end of the year.
Marsh says the trustees and others involved in the search are taking the job very seriously. Two years ago, Robert Sternberg was hired as UW’s President, but resigned after less than 5 months.
