The search for South Carolina State University’s 10th president is down to five finalists, according to Lumus Byrd, vice chairman of the S.C. State Presidential Search Committee.
“The process is progressing very well,” said Byrd, adding the target date of having the new president in place by July 1 is well within reach.
Members of the committee met all day on both Saturday and Sunday to narrow the field that began with 42 candidates.
Byrd, who also serves on the university’s board, said he could not release a list of the finalists’ names yet and that an announcement would be forthcoming.
The committee also selected an alternate, he said.
The committee is planning to invite the finalists to visit the campus to meet with faculty, staff, students and community stakeholders.
“They’ll get a chance to interview and vet the candidates,” Byrd said. The committee hopes to hold those interviews next week.
Once the five finalists have undergone those interviews, three candidates will be selected for final consideration by the entire S.C. State board of trustees.
Byrd noted the confidentiality of the process, stating the committee members had their notes and materials taken up at the conclusion of its weekend meetings.
The committee began searching for former S.C. State President Dr. Andrew Hugine’s replacement at the beginning of the year. The board decided to not renew Hugine’s contract last December and placed him under administrative leave until his last day on Jan. 4.
Dr. Leonard McIntyre was tapped by the board to serve as interim president.
T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached by e-mail at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-534-1060.