PROVOST: SIX CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS AT SEMO

Southeast Missouri State University has narrowed its search for a provost to six candidates.

The finalists, chosen by President Kala Stroup, were announced Wednesday by university officials.

Over the next three weeks, each of the six candidates will visit the Southeast campus.

"We received 106 applications for this position, giving us a very strong pool of candidates from which six were identified to be interviewed further," said Lenore Bierbaum, dean of the College of Education and head of the provost search committee.

Stroup chose the finalists from a list of about 10 candidates selected by the search committee.

The candidates, their current or most recent administrative positions and the dates they will be on campus are:

Richard F. Whitman, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication and professor of human communication at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., Oct. 13-15.

James E. Bundschuh, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of chemistry at St. Louis University, Oct. 18-20.

Rodolfo Arvalo, associate vice president for academic affairs, dean of graduate studies and research, and professor of politics and public administration at California State University, Oct. 25-27.

John P. Idoux, executive vice president for academic and student affairs and professor of chemistry at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, Oct. 28-30.

Miriam J. Shillingsburg, associate vice president for academic affairs and professor of English at Mississippi State University, based in Starkville, Miss., Nov. 1-3.

Charles E. Kupchella, dean of Ogden College of Science, Technology and Health, and professor of biology at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Ky., Nov. 3-5.

During their visits, candidates will meet with Stroup, the search committee, members of the faculty, department heads, college deans, vice presidents, student leaders, and members of the community.

University officials have indicated that a new provost will probably not be on board until the spring semester.

Southeast is attempting to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Leslie Cochran this summer. Cochran resigned to take a position as president of Youngstown State University in Ohio.

Sheila Caskey, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Extended Learning, is serving as interim provost.