Search for new UA president continues

"The search is moving along positively," Student Regent Jonathan Schmitt said. "The committee feels good about all of the items and the names."

The meeting, which for all but five minutes was held in executive session, ended a half hour sooner than planned because the committee had a good discussion, said Jennifer Aviles, a committee member and an University of Arizona human resources administrative associate.

"It was a very productive meeting," said Schmitt, an agriculture and resource economics senior. "We went through names, applications and went over the qualifications the committee is looking for."

Schmitt said that although the search is still in the nomination and application stage, the committee has received "many" applications.

"We have had enough applications that when I read them and put them together they seem to turn into one individual," he said. "There are many well-qualified individuals."

Schmitt and Aviles said the nationwide search is on schedule and making good progress.

Schmitt said he expects candidate names to be released by mid-June, and a new president to be named before July. He said names will not be released until the prospects agree to be interviewed by the committee.

"A private search is absolutely essential," Schmitt said.

"If you were the president of ASU (Arizona State University) ... and your name was released that you applied at the U of A, it would create quite a stir among your faculty and board," he said as an example.

The search is private to ensure the best possible application pool, Schmitt said.

Although the committee has mentioned the possibility of an interim president if the position is not filled by August, Schmitt said it will not discuss it further unless it becomes necessary.

UA President Manuel Pacheco will begin his new duties as the president of the University of Missouri School System Aug. 1.

"The search is definitely on track," Schmitt said. "Hopefully a new president will be chosen by then."

The next committee meeting is scheduled for May 9.