A committee on Friday named six semifinalists for chancellor of the North Dakota University System, but was left with five candidates after one withdrew.
Semifinalist Lois Muir, a professor and former provost of the University of Montana, withdrew her name because she accepted a provost position overseas, said search consultant Allen Koenig.
State Board of Higher Education member Richie Smith, chairman of the search committee, said he will seek input from the committee on whether they want to add another semifinalist.
Muir withdrew after Friday's meeting had concluded.
The remaining five semifinalists are:
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E Ronald Abrams, president, North Central State College, Mansfield, Ohio
E Roger Bowen, general secretary, American Association of University Professors, Washington, D.C.
E Warren Halsey Fox, administrator, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
E Bill Goetz, chief of staff for Gov. John Hoeven and former Dickinson State administrator
E Paul Keys, provost and vice president for academic and student affairs, Governors State University, University Park, Ill.
Sixteen people applied for the position. All semifinalists were among those recommended by search consultant firm R.H. Perry & Associates.
Koenig, who also was hired to assist with the search that resulted in the hiring of former chancellor Robert Potts, said the list of candidates includes some impressive people.
Goetz is notable for his experience with state government and higher education, Koenig said. Goetz spent 30 years at Dickinson State as a professor and administrator and was a state legislator before he began working for the Office of the Governor in 1997.
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Bowen has an important national job and is the person who has been quoted most often in the Chronicle of Higher Education, Koenig said.
Fox also has had a very distinguished career, Koenig said.
"This pool is far better than it was two and a half years ago," he said.
Potts resigned as chancellor in August after two years of a three-year contract because he said the state Board of Higher Education didn't allow him to enforce policies equally to all campuses.
Eddie Dunn is serving as chancellor through June 30.
The search committee will interview each semifinalist by interactive video Jan. 27. The committee then plans to bring at least three finalists to Bismarck for interviews.
Smith said he's hopeful the Board can hold a special meeting the last week in February to name a new chancellor, as well as presidents for Mayville State University and North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton.
Readers can reach Forum reporter
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Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
