UB is several steps closer to learning the name of its next president, according to Jeremy Jacobs, chairman of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee and chairman and chief executive officer of Delaware North.
"There's an element of truth in it," Jacobs said, responding to recent coverage of the search by The Buffalo News that stated the selection has been narrowed to between three and five candidates, and a president could be chosen by as early as the next meeting of the State University of New York's Board of Trustees on Oct. 28.
"The search goes on, and we're actually into a more concentrated focus right now," said Jacobs. "But we're not at the end yet."
The search for UB's 14th president began immediately after President William R. Greiner announced plans to resign in January of 2003. He has agreed to stay in office until a successor has been chosen.
Earlier in the year, search committee representatives predicted a finalist to be named by the start of the spring 2004 semester, but Jacobs speculates the date is actually much closer.
"Oh golly, I hope we're not waiting until then," he said.
According to search guidelines, once the selection has been narrowed down to a handful of candidates, their names are submitted to the UB Council, which then must present three definitive choices to SUNY Chancellor Robert L. King.
King will then suggest one candidate to the SUNY Board of Trustees, where the final decision-making power lies.
Jacobs would not disclose whether the UB Council has a list of names yet, but said the search is now moving at an accelerated pace.
The search committee decided that none of the candidate's names will be released, except that of the chosen candidate, and only after the decision has been made.
"A lot of people have a lot of angst about not knowing what's going on," Jacobs said, but added the high level of confidentiality is necessary in order to conduct a successful search.
Jacobs again praised the Presidential Search Advisory Committee for the speed and coordination of its 18 members.
"It's like steering a large ship," said Jacobs of the committee, composed of students, faculty, staff, administration and alumni. "They've really dedicated their time and energy."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
