Presidential Search Committee To Begin Interviews Monday

Gail F. Baker, Vice President for Public Relations

The University of Florida Presidential Search Committee will interview candidates for president next week and on Wednesday will forward a list of finalists to the UF Board of Trustees from which to choose the school’s next leader.

The board is expected to interview the finalists Wednesday and announce its selection that evening. The finalists also will participate Wednesday in a series of question-and-answer forums with UF faculty, students, administrators and community members.

“The search is rapidly coming to an end, and we are very happy with the results at this point,” said Manny Fernandez, chairman of the search committee. “It’s very gratifying that so many great candidates have or will come forward. It speaks volumes about the University of Florida’s status on the national level.”

Five people currently are candidates to become UF’s next president, although Fernandez said another three to six more likely will come forward by this weekend. The names of all the candidates will be announced Saturday.

Monday’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. in the Century A ballroom at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, 1714 S.W. 34th St. Wednesday’s forum for faculty members will be held in the Live Oak Room, while the forum for students, staff members and the community will be held in the Cedar Room. The forum for deans and vice presidents will be in the Azalea Room. A news conference to introduce the next president is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Birch Room.

The agenda is available on the search committee Web site at www.trustees.ufl.edu/presidentialsearch/20031006agenda.html.