Regents to interview five SOSU presidential candidates

Press Release Date: 09-24-2007

The Regional University System of Oklahoma (RUSO) Board of Regents plans to interview five candidates for the position of president at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

The interviews are in the process of being scheduled, and will likely take place in Oklahoma City in late October, according to RUSO executive director Sheridan McCaffree. In a best–case scenario, a new president could begin duties as early as Jan. 1, 2008, according to McCaffree.

The Southeastern Oklahoma State University Presidential Search Committee met on campus on Sept. 5 to conduct the initial phase of reviewing applications for the presidency. The committee is comprised of RUSO regents, regents, SOSU administrators, faculty and staff, and community members. The group is chaired by Regent Ann Holloway.

A total of 77 applications were received for the position. The search committee narrowed that number and forwarded a list of applicants to the RUSO board for consideration at its regularly scheduled Sept. 20 meeting in Alva. At that time, the RUSO board determined which candidates it was interested in interviewing.

Earlier this year, after an initial search did not result in a hiring, the position of President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University was re-advertised this summer by RUSO.

Dr. Glen D. Johnson, who served as Southeastern president for the past 9 1/2 years, assumed his new duties as the Chancellor of the Oklahoma State System for Higher Education on Jan. 17.

Dr. Jesse Snowden is currently serving as Interim President at Southeastern.

The nine–member RUSO board governs the following regional institutions: Southeastern Oklahoma State University, East Central University, Northeastern State University, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and the University of Central Oklahoma.