VALDOSTA — As Valdosta State University President Ronald Zaccari prepares for retirement this July, the VSU search committee has been working diligently, along with the University System Board of Regents, to complete the selection process for the university’s eighth president.

Following the organization of a 12-member Presidential Search and Screen Committee (PSSC), the search process for Zaccari’s successor began in January. The first phase began with the review of more than 85 nominations, which were narrowed down to a list of 12 applicants. Those applicants were then asked to participate in off-campus interviews in Atlanta mid-April, and from that process, six semi-finalists were selected by the committee.

In an article released in the university’s VSU’s Connection publication, a brief profile of each semi-finalist candidate was given as follows:

Dr. Elizabeth Stroble, senior vice president and provost at University of Akron, Ohio, was on campus April 16-17. The University of Akron is a public research university with an enrollment of more than 24,700 students, 3,500 employees and an annual budget of $378.5 million. Stroble provides administrative leadership of the academic operation and financial resources. Additionally, she advises the president and vice president of Development on aspects of the University of Akron’s $500 million comprehensive campaign.

Dr. Greg Weisenstein, provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, visited the campus April 17-18. The University of North Dakota is the state’s most comprehensive intensive research university, with 12,559 students (fall 2007) offering 193 fields of study from baccalaureate through doctoral and professional degrees. Weisenstein’s recent accomplishments include increasing the statewide, national, and international visibility of the University of North Dakota; working with the student government to establish new programs and initiatives; and establishing ten new academic programs and eight centers.

Dr. Thomas L. Keon , dean of the College of Business Administration at University of Central Florida, Orlando, visited the campus April 21-22. The University of Central Florida is one of 11 state public universities with an enrollment of 48,699 students (fall 2007) and offers 95 baccalaureate, 97 master’s, three specialist and 28 doctoral programs and degrees. As dean of the College of Business Administration, Keon oversees 150 full-time faculty members, a budget in excess of $27 million and 9,200 students. Additional responsibilities include fundraising, where he assisted in raising more than $35 million in gifts and commitments and added $24 million to the college’s endowment; external and alumni relations; and he serves on numerous university committees.

Dr. Patrick J. Schloss, president of Northern State University, Aberdeen, S.D., visited the campus April 24-25. Northern State University offers 38 major and 42 minor undergraduate degrees, six associate, eight pre-professional, and nine graduate degrees. Schloss initiated a strategic planning process titled the “Margin of excellence.” the plan focused on institutional priorities including recruitment, retention, and faculty scholarship.”

Dr. Daniel Ball, president of Lander University, Greenwood, S.C., visited the campus April 28-29. As president, he has authored numerous publications and implemented the university’s first strategic plan. Additionally, he initiated Lander’s first campaign, which exceeded its $15 million goal. Formerly he was the vice president for Academic Affairs at Southern Arkansas University and dean of the College of education at Idaho State University.

Dr. William A. Meehan, president of Jacksonville State University, Ala., visited the campus April 29-30. As president , he has overseen major campus renovations and additions totaling more than $20 million; enrollment has increased 21 percent; and he led the university’s largest capital campaign that exceeded its $17.5 million goal. Ball has held numerous administrative positions at Jacksonville State University including acting vice president for Institutional Advancement and associate vice president of Academic Affairs.

Following the completion of the on-campus interviews and review, the committee made final candidate recommendations to the Board of Regents, which will continue the presidential search process through its completion.

“The six candidates completed their campus visits on April 30 and the local search committee then submitted up to five names for the Regents’ search committee to consider,” said Thressea Boyd, assistant to the president for communications. VSU officials expect that the interviewing process for those candidates will continue during the month of May, according to Boyd.

While VSU is among several colleges/universities across the state in nation which are currently in search of a president, Zaccari’s early announcement of his plans to retire have helped the university in the process to secure a successor before he officially steps down this summer.

“VSU is on the same timeline as Columbus State and the presidents for both institutions are scheduled to be approved and announced at the June 10-11 Board of Regents meeting in Atlanta,” said Boyd.

For more information on VSU presidential search process, visit the university Web-site at www.valdosta.edu.

In honor of Valdosta State University President Ronald Zaccari’s, The Times will feature a special section, within a Sunday edition, during the month of June commemorating the president’s retirement, time and service to VSU and the local community.