Final
four presidential candidates announced
By Joseph Serna
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
Cal State Long Beach announced the four finalists to succeed Robert C. Maxson
as president, with the successor possibly taking office by spring.
Two of the finalists, F. King Alexander and Wilson G. Bradshaw, are currently
presidents at other colleges, Murray State University in Kentucky and Metropolitan
State University in Minnesota, respectively.
Also presidential finalists are Richard H. Wells, chancellor of the University
of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, and provost and senior vice-president of Academic Affairs
at CSULB, Gary Reichard.
“
What we looked for were individuals with good background and experience...that
would fit in with our campus,” said Margaret Merryfield, chairwoman of
the Academic Senate. “We’re very pleased with this group of finalists.”
While all the candidates have previous experience at large universities, three
of the four currently serve at schools with campus populations less than one-third
the size of CSULB.
Next week each finalist will have a day on campus meeting faculty, staff, students,
alumni and the community. Starting Monday and ending Thursday, an open forum
will be held daily for the campus and community from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the
Horn Center.
“
One thing I really looked for was...how attentive they were to our needs,” said
Jamie Pollock, president of the Associated Students, Inc.
Although Maxson is known for putting students first, choosing the finalist who
most resembles his traits is not a goal of the committee.
“
Whoever we choose is going to be a different person,” said Merryfield. “There
is no such person that is the same as Bob Maxson.”
Wells, the current chancellor of the largest comprehensive institution in Wisconsin,
said the presidency was a great opportunity and the only one he has agreed to
consider. He was provost and vice-president of Academic Affairs at Indiana State
University before going to Wisconsin.
“
This is an excellent opportunity that requires careful consideration,” Wells
said.
Reichard, the current CSULB provost, said he is “aware that there is a
very large step remaining.”
Though most of these candidates are aware of each other through reputation, Reichard’s
and Bradshaw’s careers crossed paths when they worked together 15 years
ago.
“
I wish him well at any other presidency,” Reichard said—Bradshaw
shares the sentiment.
Bradshaw, also a former provost and vice-president of academic affairs in Pennsylvania,
feels his experiences make him a qualified candidate to lead the school.
“
There is nothing that is particularly foreign to me in higher education,” Bradshaw
said.
Alexander was unavailable for comment.
Following next week’s campus visits, each finalist will be interviewed
by the California State University Board of Trustees Oct. 26. The board is expected
to announce the next president by the end of October.
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