The search for Marshall University’s next president will begin Feb. 11 at the Board of Governors meeting.

The board and Interim President Gary White’s office will use a professional search firm to find potential candidates.

Professional search firms collect a database of people who are looking to discreetly advance their careers.

“We use search firms because typically the type of person we’re looking for is not known to be interested in leaving their university,” White said.

“They keep their interest a secret until the process is far enough along that they have an opportunity. If you’re really lucky, and I think Marshall is going to be, you’ll find a firm that has a history of doing searches with the university,” White said. “They don’t have to relearn about Marshall’s culture.”

After receiving the results, Marshall’s search committee will narrow its options and begin the interviewing process.

The first face-to-face interview will occur off campus to ensure the candidates’ privacy.

“Everything has to be done in confidentiality,” White said. “If you compromise this, you loose the top-tiered people.”

The applicants will be narrowed down further, and the remaining candidates will be invited for an on-campus interview.

The selection committee will make an offer to the candidate of their choice.

After he or she has accepted the offer, the final name will be revealed to the public.

White said the logistics are good and the selected person can be moved in and in place for the fall semester.

Amy Napier can be contacted at [email protected].