Members of the search and screen committee elected to find a new Dean of Students have been working since February to identify a list of finalists for the position.

The committee, which consists of five students, five faculty members and five staff members, began advertising in newspapers throughout the country shortly after Chavez’s resignation.

The committee’s job after receiving applications is to review the applications, contact the references of the most qualified applicants and choose which of those candidates to interview.

David Musols, staff leader of the committee, said the committee will most likely interview seven to 10 applicants and choose a short list of three to five of them to submit to the chancellor.

“Once the committee gives the list to the chancellor and vice chancellor, those candidates will be called back for comprehensive interviews with students and staff,” said Musols. “Feedback about these interviews will help determine the final choice.”

Musols predicts the committee should have its list ready for the chancellor by sometime in July.

Interim Dean Roger Howard said the new dean should understand students.

“From my perspective, I’d like to have someone who understands what it is to be a student and staff member at a large research university like this,” Howard said. “I’d like someone who sees the strengths and weaknesses of our university and is excited about working here. I hope the new dean realizes how important students are to the life of this university.”

Howard said he looked forward to returning to retirement after the new dean is found.
“There are all these trout in little streams in Wisconsin that are lonely,” said Howard. “And I’d like to visit them.”