SpringfieldNewsSun.com

Urbana, Ohio — Urbana University has narrowed it sights on a handful of candidates who could serve as the next president.

The first of those candidates, Stephen B. Jones, is scheduled to visit the campus for a full day of interviews Thursday.

Jones, chancellor of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is among the finalists to replace Robert Head, Urbana University's outgoing president who is assume the same position in Rockford, Ill. this summer.

Jim Wilson, chairman of the search committee, said to protect their privacy, candidates will be introduced one at a time — shortly before they arrive on campus.

He said committee members were impressed with Jones' record at Alaska.

"He's a great guy," Wilson said. "He understands academic fundraising. He understands how to communicate between faculty and staff."

In his position as chancellor, Jones was credited with increasing the amount of donations to the university and making several improvements in and around the campus, including a research facility in Juneau, Alaska.

Jones was interested in the Urbana job because it would allow him to be closer to his family, said Scott McCrea, director of marketing and communications at UAF.

During his tenure, Jones was responsible for overseeing a broad range of academic programs, McCrea said.

"His scope of responsibility isn't just here in the Fairbanks area," McCrea added. "He's responsible for a very large portion of the state."

Wilson said it is not yet clear how many candidates will be brought to campus, but said the search committee plans to recommend a final candidate to Urbana's board of trustees by May 3.

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

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