Brehm declines candidacy

Chancellor Sharon Brehm got a shock when she picked up the IDS Thursday morning to find that she was a candidate for the interim presidency. The interim president will be replacing President Myles Brand when he leaves IU in January to head-up the NCAA. After the discovery, Brehm immediately sent an official letter to IU board of trustees president Frederick F. Eichhorn assuring him that although she was flattered by the nomination, she would have to pass on the job.\n"I am not a candidate in any way, shape or form," Brehm said, noting that she is focused on her current position.\nBrehm was on the list of possible interim president candidates Eichhorn announced following the board of trustees meeting Wednesday. The board will announce the interim president at their regular meeting on Nov. 1. \nSome of the other candidates have not turned down the job yet.\n"I'm sure there are many among them who would take it," Brehm said. "It really is a service (to IU)."\nKen Gros Louis, who served as IUB chancellor for 21 years and retired in 2001, said he has discussed the position but has not been contacted by the board. He said he would be honored if they asked him to serve.\n"I have great affections for IU, and I would be interested in the position if it were offered," Gros Louis said.\nIf given the job, Gros Louis said he would strive to maintain IU's current momentum.\n"I think there are some significant challenges with the legislative budget and trying to maintain the Life-Sciences initiative," he said.\nVice President of Diversity and Student Development Charlie Nelms said he was shocked at the mention of his name and will not make any hasty statements at this juncture.\n"That's news to me," Nelms said. "I wouldn't even begin to speculate on that."\nJohn Ryan, IU's 14th president, who served from 1971 to 1987, said he hasn't considered the position, but would be glad to help out if necessary.\n"I haven't been contacted by anyone, and I haven't discussed it with anyone," he said. "I have spent nearly 50 years doing what Indiana University wanted me to, but I can't say right now because I haven't talked to anyone about it yet. But I am always there to help IU."\nBrehm, who is in her second year as chancellor, said the other candidates would be better suited for the job because they know the University better than she does.\n"All of the other people on the list have been here a lot longer than I have and would be a smoother transition for the University," she said.\nTrustee Jamie B. Belanger said the interim president will need to be someone who is familiar with the University. Both Gros Louis and Ryan said their lengthy history with IU is why their names have come up in discussion.\n"I am the only person around who is a former president of this University and one of only two living presidents, and I am familiar with the workings of IU," Ryan said. "They'll need someone who is familiar with Indiana University."\nBrehm said she thinks the board of trustees will most likely consider diversity during their search for an interim president.\n"I am sure they will seek a diverse pool of candidates," Brehm said. "That's terribly important. I'm sure the trustees will be committed to that."\nDespite his interest in the job, Gros Louis said he will support the board in their decision.\n"I have confidence in their judgments," Gros Louis said. "Whatever decision they make will be in the best interest for IU, and I am confident that it will be based on sound judgment."\nThe other candidates named Wednesday could not be reached for comment at press time.