SpringfieldNewsSun.com

By Matt Sanctis

Staff Writer

URBANA — The search for Urbana University's new president is on schedule.

Board members at Urbana University have been searching for a replacement for Robert Head, Urbana's president for the last seven years. Head is leaving the university this summer to take a similar position at Rockford College in Rockford, Ill.

A nine-member committee will accept resumes until April 1. Thereafter, it will trim the number of candidates to about three or four finalists, hopefully by the end of the month, said Jim Wilson, chairman of the search committee.

No specific date has been set, but Wilson said ideally, the committee would like to select a new president by May 3.

"It may not happen quickly, but that's our target," Wilson said.

University officials are working with R.H. Perry and Associates, an executive search firm based in Washington, D.C., to collect resumes and assist with the search.

Wilson, who has served on two previous presidential search committees, said previous searches have netted about 70 resumes from potential candidates.

Working with R.H. Perry and Associates, committee members will sift through the resumes and select a few individuals for interviews within the next few weeks, Wilson said.

There are a few qualifications the committee is searching for, including someone who has experience and has proven that they can raise funds for the university.

Head has done an excellent job of improving the university during his tenure, Wilson said, citing that among his accomplishments, he has increased enrollment, renovated buildings and constructed dorm rooms and a student center.

"I think we'll be able to get a real quality candidate like we currently have to keep our campus on track and growing," Wilson said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.