The search for Marshall University’s 37th

president is back at square one. After narrowing

down the nearly 60 applicants to 6

semifinalists, Board of Governors Chairman

Michael G. Sellards said they have decided to

continue the search.

“Each candidate brought desirable attributes

to the table and we were pleased with

the overall quality,” Sellards said. “In the final

analysis, we decided to keep the search

going.”

Caring for the memory of Dr. Stephen

J. Kopp is a top priority for the search

committee.

“The tragedy the entire university community

suffered when Dr. Kopp passed away

is still not entirely behind us and we want to

take just that much more care to ensure we

are moving ahead in the right direction,” Sellards

said.

The board is pleased with Interim

President Gary G. White’s commitment to the

university.

“We are grateful to Mr. White for his continuing

commitment to Marshall University,

Sellards said. “He is doing a tremendous job

of leading the institution through this transition

and we are pleased he has agreed to stay

with us as we continue to search for a permanent

leader.”

Interim President White said he understands

that the circumstance that provided

him with this opportunity are not the most

desirable but he is still honored to be serving

Marshall University.

“I’m here because of very unfortunate circumstances,”

White said. “I wish we were

here for another reason, but we are where

we are.”

White said he is adjusting to the new position

and enjoying himself.

“It’s not exactly what I thought I’d be doing

at this stage in my life, but it’s enjoyable,”

White said. “The schedule is a little more

hectic that I’m used to, but that’s okay. “

As far as the search process goes, White

is ready to serve as long as he is needed but

when the time comes he will support whoever

the committee chooses.

“The search process will continue and we

will find the right person to lead Marshall

University,” White said. “When we find the

right person I will step aside and provide all

the support I can to whomever that candidate

may be.”

The board is determined to find the perfect

fit for Marshall regardless of the amount

of time it takes to do so. The committee is not

actively searching for new applicants for the

president position.

No timeline has been set for the new recruitment

and on campus interviews. The

committee is prepared for the process to continue

into the fall semester and hopes to have

a new president join the university next year.

Britanie Morgan can be contacted at

[email protected].