The IUP Provost Search Committee met last week in Pittsburgh to interview nine semifinalists. Four were chosen as finalists and will be invited for on-campus interviews in October. The interview dates will be announced as soon as arrangements with the candidates have been made.

Following a national search assisted by a consulting firm, the committee received 54 applications and then met on September 11 to choose the nine semifinalists. Each one met with the committee in a conference room near the Pittsburgh Airport.

Four candidates had a particularly strong combination of experience, background, references, and successful interview.

Prior to each campus visit, candidate vitas will be available for review and a schedule of meeting opportunities will be published.

“Everyone in the IUP community will be invited to meet the four candidates and offer their input,” said Professor Ben Rafoth, chair of the committee.

The 15-member search committee consists of faculty members, administrators, students, and deans. In addition to Rafoth, they are:

  • Francisco Alarcon, Mathematics
  • William Balint, IT Services
  • Patricia Connell, Developmental Studies
  • Brian Jones, Theater
  • Matthew Klitsch, undergraduate student
  • Timothy Mack, Graduate Studies and Research
  • Jack Makara, Student Affairs
  • Theresa McDevitt, IUP Libraries
  • Kelli Paquette, Professional Studies
  • Teresa Shellenbarger, Nursing
  • Deanne Snavely, Natural Sciences and Mathematics
  • Elizabeth Solomonides, graduate student
  • Ramesh Soni, Management
  • Cornelius Wooten, Administration and Finance
  • Patti Krausslach, President's Office, provides administrative support