Mississippi State University continues to search for a new vice president for the Office of Research and Economic Development.
The screening of candidates started Aug. 10 and will continue until a finalist is selected.
Keith Coble, Giles professor of agricultural economics and one of the 15 members on the committee, said initially the committee was focused on recruiting the best possible candidates for the position.
“More recently, we reviewed applicants and suggested candidates to bring in for the on-campus interviews,” Coble said.
There will be four candidate interviews in November. The candidates are James Rankin of Ohio University, David Shaw from Mississippi State University, Allan Myerson from Illinois Institute of Technology and Jennifer Curtis of the University of Florida.
The search committee was formed at the end of April to help find a candidate to fill the position and began the search process in May.
The committee developed the job description, identified and recruited potential candidates and developed evaluation rubrics and interview questions. It also designed a Web site for posting information and a schedule for the entire process.
Sarah Rajala, dean of the Bagley College of Engineering, was asked by President Mark Keenum to serve as the committee chair.
Rajala said other members were elected through the Faculty Senate or appointed by the president. Each college also has one committee member.
She said the candidates were evaluated based on the criteria in the job description created by the committee.
“Each of the committee members has been actively involved throughout the process and committed to identifying the very best candidates for the position,” Rajala said. “The vice president for research and economic development is a key leadership position and one that will be key to the future of Mississippi State University.”
Nekequa Cameron, sophomore biochemistry major, said she could see the benefits of having a MSU alumnus or faculty member fill the position.
“I think they might be more passionate about the job; it’s their school,” she said.
However, Cameron said ultimately she would want the candidate to be qualified for the position, whether the candidate is from MSU or elsewhere.
“Others may be more qualified – they should look at the skills,” Cameron said.
It is not yet known when the new vice president will be named, Rajala said.
“I believe the president is hoping that he will be able to name the new vice president by the end of the calendar year,” Rajala said.
Requirements for the position include a doctorate, experience as a faculty member and an understanding and knowledge of the multiple missions and roles of a land grant university.
The vice president for the Office of Research and Economic Development works closely with other offices including Sponsored Programs Administration and the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park.
The vice president also consults with the provost on matters pertaining to tenured and tenure-track faculty.
The new vice president will take the place of Kirk Shulz, who was selected as president of Kansas State University and took office on June 15.
Applications and nominations for the position can be made at oredvpsearch.msstate.edu. Inquiries should be directed to Rajala at [email protected].