Presidential nominees contacted

All of the more than 200 nominees for the job of IU's next president have been contacted by IU's presidential search committee and the search firm Baker-Parker and Associates, Committee Chair Steve Ferguson said. Now the committee must proceed with the daunting task of narrowing down the choices. \nThe committee met at IU-Purdue University Indianapolis Tuesday, to discuss the candidates who have responded to the search and which candidates should be among the 10 to 15 to be interviewed by the committee. \nFerguson said although the task seems endless, the field has already been narrowed down. Some potential candidates who were contacted about their interest in the position turned down the offer.\n"A large number said 'No, thank you. I'm already happy with my job,'" Ferguson said. "But I think those who showed interest are very qualified."\nFerguson said the narrowing down of candidates has not decreased the quality of the applicants. He said that even though the number of candidates that have responded is "considerably less than 200, they are considerably well qualified."\nIn addition, Ferguson said the candidates that have responded by submitting their dossiers, are not just from a few backgrounds but come from different countries, races and experiences. \n"There is a good diversity in the candidates, too," Ferguson said. "A nice number of minorities, non-traditional candidates and good number of female representation as well."\nJerry Baker of Baker-Parker said the international pool of candidates brings a wealth of diversity.\n"Our candidates literally come from around the world," Baker said.\nIn order to narrow down the candidates, Ferguson said the committee will consider the candidates' ability to run a large institution such as a public university, leadership qualities and commitment to academic excellence. \n"The candidates must be ... familiar with running a large, complex organization similar to a public university," IU spokesperson Bill Stephan said.\nFerguson was quick to note that not all the candidates have responded yet and additional nominations will continue to be accepted later on in the process. \nThe committee will select its 10 to 15 nominees to interview at its March 15 meeting in Bloomington and then will set up times to meet with the candidates individually. Interviews will be conducted in April, and the committee will vote to select five to seven candidates to be presented to the entire board of trustees. The trustees will then have until July 1 to make final interviews and vote on the next leader of the University.\nFor more information on the search for the next president, log on to www.indiana.edu/~nextpres.