After five months, Murray State continues its search for a new provost with another round of finalist candidates, and one who is a Murray State faculty member. 

That faculty member is Brian Parr, dean of the Hutson School of Agriculture.

The other candidates are Aimee Shouse, Tarleton State University assistant provost and faculty member, and Paul Twigg, University of Nebraska Kearney dean of arts and sciences.

The three candidates will speak to the campus and community at Wrather Hall for the following dates, each at 2:30 p.m.

• Aimee Shouse, March 2.
• Brian Parr, March 3.
• Paul Twigg, March 4.

According to Shouse’s CV, she has been assistant provost at Tarleton State for five years and in her list of accomplishments is a note of transparency. 

“Revised tenure and promotion review procedures to create more transparency and accountability,” Shouse’s CV read. 

According to Twigg’s CV, he has been the dean of his department for three years, and notes his accomplishments for creating stability in the college during leadership transitions, increasing student success efforts and program development. 

The search for a provost began Aug. 25 after the University announced Tim Todd, former provost, would be removed from the position and return as a tenured faculty member on Nov. 1. Todd then sued the University, filed in the Franklin County Circuit Court. 

Members of the community expressed support for the plaintiff.

A current University professor and a former staff member with experience working with Todd shared their thoughts on the active case. Both individuals wished to remain anonymous out of concern for possible repercussions to current or future employment opportunities at the University. 

“I was really devastated to learn that Dr. Todd had been removed from his position as provost,” the professor said. “I am deeply concerned that he was mistreated and his contract was violated. None of this is good for Murray State and its students. I am hopeful that the case can be resolved and that justice can be served.”

The former staff member spoke of Todd’s character, stating that making a false or unsupported claim was not something he would likely do.

“I worked with him for 20 years and he would never sue Murray State unless something was definitely wrong,” she said. “I don’t think he would sue over something like this unless he’s being totally ripped off.”

The Murray State News has contacted the Franklin Circuit Clerk for updates on the active case. No reply was received at the time of publication.