Kari Eakins, Townsquare Media

The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees has selected a consulting firm to assist with the search for a new UW president.

Greenwood/Asher & Associates Inc. was chosen over two other firms following interviews conducted by trustees in open session last week.

The company has conducted successful presidential searches for institutions including the University of Florida, the University of Texas, Ohio State University, New Mexico State University and West Virginia University.

“We’re confident that Greenwood/Asher & Associates will help us attract a deep pool of candidates, including sitting university presidents and non-traditional candidates from industry and government,” says Dave Bostrom, president of the Board of Trustees.

The firm will recruit candidates and accept applications for the job of UW president, which is being vacated by President Tom Buchanan at the end of summer 2013. It also will conduct background checks, check references and perform other duties associated with the search. Representatives of the firm are expected to visit UW in early November to meet with members of the campus community and various constituent groups.

Once the firm has compiled a list of applicants, it will be presented to an initial screening committee composed of five members of the Board of Trustees, with an additional eight to 10 representatives of the student body, faculty, staff, the UW Foundation and external constituent groups, as appointed by Bostrom. That committee will be charged with reviewing the applicants and identifying at least 12 candidates who warrant further consideration. That committee’s work is expected to be completed by about Dec. 10.

The list of at least 12 candidates will be forwarded to a second screening committee, which will consist of five members of the Board of Trustees who aren’t on the initial screening panel; and an additional five to seven representatives of the student body, faculty, staff, UW Foundation and external constituent groups who aren’t on the initial committee. The second screening committee will be charged with narrowing the candidate pool to at least five finalists by about Jan. 24.

The entire Board of Trustees will interview each finalist and then select the new president. The board plans to introduce the new president by Feb. 27.

Bostrom is scheduled to announce the members of the search committees next week.

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