Illinois State University has narrowed presidential search to 11

Posted on January 25, 2024
After spending more than 2 hours in executive session — the number is now down to 11 people who will be asked to schedule an interview. (Facebook/Illinois State University)

By WMBD-TV

NORMAL – The Illinois State University Presidential Search Committee in Normal narrowed down the candidates for the next president.

Thursday morning, the committee started with 41 prospective candidates to lead Illinois’ first public institution of higher learning.

After spending more than 2 hours in executive session — the number is now down to 11 people who will be asked to schedule an interview.

When search committee member Darren Tillis asked how many of the chosen were invited to apply by search firm Parker Executive Search, the answer was all.

Board of Trustees and Search Committee chair Dr. Kathryn Bohn said she believes there’s a good slate of candidates.

“Our discussion went for, I don’t know, two-and-half hours or so. And I think that shows that there were some really good candidates that we needed to discuss and come to a consensus as to who we wanted to do the zoom interviews. So, I feel really good. Strong candidates, diverse, varied backgrounds. So, I’m really happy with that.”

The committee will narrow down the pool to four to six candidates after virtual interviews on Feb. 5 and 6. Then those candidates will be revealed, with the opportunity for the public to engage with them.

More information on the Search Committee is available here.

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