After months of deliberation, the presidential search committee has narrowed down its initial candidate pool of 65 applicants to 10.
The 10 remaining presidential-hopefuls were interviewed more extensively Jan. 11-12 in Nashville, Tenn., by the search committee, each interview lasting approximately 90 minutes.
The search committee hopes to narrow down the remaining candidates again to two to four finalists before a decision is made.
Stephen Williams, search committee chair, said the interviews were a success in reference to the amount of preparation for the interviews on the part of the committee and the candidates’ performances.
“The quality of the candidates was excellent and proved to be a reflection of Murray State’s reputation nationally, as all of the candidates had done their homework and referred to this opportunity as a prestigious career move,” said Williams. “The committee members were prepared with thought-provoking questions regarding the University’s needs on all levels, representing all constituencies.”
Katie Wilborn, junior from Louisville, Ky., said whoever is chosen as president will have a huge influence on her success and happiness as a student through their governance and so she hopes they are unbiased and focused on improving Murray State’s educational opportunities.
Lucas Palmer, junior from Paris, Tenn., said he doesn’t think the selection of a new president would affect him.
“I think Don Robertson and the Board of Regents make all the decisions,” he said. “A good president would be someone who tried to prove my opinion wrong.”
The next search committee meeting will take place Feb. 7, before which time the candidates will undergo more detailed background and reference checks.
After this meeting, the final two to four candidates will visit campus to meet with various constituencies on campus before being interviewed a final time by the Board of Regents. The Board will then make the final decision on who is chosen to be president.
“I think we have met our next president,” Williams said. “I believe the committee is comfortable that one of these fine candidates will rise to be our next president.”
Story by Ben Manhanke, Assistant News Editor
