Following the naming of the three final candidates in Mississippi State’s search for a new Vice President of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, each of the candidates will now face a series of meetings and interviews in June to evaluate which is most qualified to lead the university’s largest division.
The final three candidates are Greg Bohach from the University of Idaho, Craig Nessler from West Virginia University and Cameron Hackney from Virginia Tech.
Jerry Gilbert, search committee chairman, said the candidates will be involved in multiple interviews and meetings with campus groups to allow exposure to the MSU community.
“[We plan to hold] open sessions that will be broadcast on the Web to all of the [MSU affiliated] locations across the state,” he said. “If they’re not able to travel to Starkville, participants will be able to view it live and interact with the candidates.”
While the dates for each candidates’ sessions have been released, Gilbert said the schedule of events is still being worked out in an attempt to give all interested groups an opportunity to view the candidates and weigh their merits.
“Our idea is that we’re going to be soliciting input from all of the different people that interact with the candidates,” Gilbert said.
Following the interview process, the search committee will review the candidates and prepare to submit feedback to MSU President Mark Keenum.
“There is the possibility he [Keenum] could name someone in the first week of July. He may not choose to do that, but we’ve made it possible,” Gilbert said. “That’s what he expressed initially; he wanted to push for a July 1 announcement date.”
Gilbert said the committee looked for someone who could be a strong leader and advocate for agriculture in the state and region.
“We want them to come in, take charge and set a course. We have a rich history in that division,” he said. “We’re at a high level, but we can go even higher with someone with a vision that can plot a course out.”
Hart Bailey, search committee member and incoming Faculty Senate President, said the group looked for someone who is well qualified and would be a good fit for Mississippi State.
“[The committee looked for experience] in the land grant system and divisions similar to the Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine [division] and for people that had experience with the three programs: teaching, research and service,” he said. “Land grants are unique, and people have to have that experience to understand it.”
Bailey said the candidates need a deep understanding of agriculture because of the industry’s prominence in Mississippi’s economy.
“[With] agriculture being the largest industry in the state … [it is important to] have somebody that understands how that process works,” he said.
Gilbert said the search process has moved quickly and effectively in choosing the top candidates.
“It hasn’t been a bad process in any means; everyone has enjoyed the process,” Gilbert said. “I’m glad to get it over only in order to meet Dr. Keenum’s expectations.”
Bohach will interview June 9 through 11, Nessler will interview June 17 through 19 and Hackney will interview June 22 through 24.
Editor in Chief Carl Smith contributed to this article.