The search for the next president of WVU has moved to the next phase, according to the chair of the Presidential Search Committee.

Our committee met last week to narrow down the field of applicants,said Steve Goodwin, chair of the WVU Board of Governors and the Presidential Search Committee.This was an important step for selection of the next leader of WVU . We will meet again several times in the coming weeks to further reduce the field to a list of finalists.

“All aspects, including salary and benefits packages, remain negotiable,”he added.”I am pleased that Gov. Manchin is committed to this position, and his continued support will be invaluable in finding the best leader for this institution.”

Goodwin noted the broad range of the applicants for the position, including applicants from coast to coast and both inside and outside academia.

The state of the search thus far is excellent,he said.As we stated in the beginning of this search process, our goal is to have a nomination to the Universitys Board of Governors for its consideration by April, and we have every confidence we will meet that goal. This committee will continue the task of selection by focusing on the criteria the group established for the next president.

The next formal committee meeting is scheduled in early March. Following the next phases of the search, the final applicants names and qualifications will be made public as those individuals interview with significant audiences including University faculty, staff, students and others. The WVU Board of Governors will vote on the final selection in April and then pass its selection on to the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission for approval.