Another interim dean may be appointed to the permanent position soon.

The search committee for the dean of the College of Education and Human Resources has recommended Dr. Donnie Snider as the only finalist for the permanent position. Snider has filled it in an interim capacity since this summer.

Earlier this week, Dr. Greg Straughn, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was appointed to the position permanently, effective Jan. 1.

Dr. Nancy Shankle, chair of the search committee, said the committee saw Snider as a clear favorite for the position based on the job description criteria.

“We thought he was well qualified with having 10 years of experience in higher education and 30 years in secondary school experience,” Shankle said. “He was a good match for the criteria in the job description and a good fit for the university.”

Shankle said the committee evaluated candidates by rankings that didn’t incorporate a set number of required finalists.

“Anytime a search committee reviews applicants, they usually decide where a break in the ranking is and then bring those candidates in,” she said. “There was a clear break in the ranking, which led us to invite one candidate.”

Ultimately, Dr. Robert Rhodes, provost, will make the final decision whether to appoint Snider to the permanent position. He said a few steps need to be taken before he will make that choice.

“We will interview him this week and then get faculty feedback,” Rhodes said. “Depending on their feedback, the committee will either recommend him as their selection or continue the search. I would expect they make a recommendation to me either next week right after the break. ”

As one dean search nears its close, and another has already finished, only one other dean search remains. Rhodes said the search committee for the dean of the College of Biblical Studies is nearing the finalist-naming stage of its process as well. He believes that committee had a broader pool of applicants, requiring more review time.