Eric Kaler named as only finalist in U. of Minnesota presidential search
Star Tribune
November 12, 2010
University of Minnesota regents Friday named one finalist for the post of U president – three fewer than a search advisory committee had recommended to them last week.
Eric Kaler, provost at Stony Brook University in New York, was announced Friday morning as the choice of the U's regents.
The search committee considered 148 candidates, 44 of them women. All four semi-finalists were external candidates, said Clyde Allen, chair of the board.
Two of them declined to be considered as part of a public pool. Finalists’ names become public, according to state laws.
“This person is an outstanding final candidate,” said Regent John Frobenius, who listed his many strengths, including support of athletics, strong research experience and leadership style.
Regent David Larson called him “a proven change agent.”
Kaler will be invited to campus Wednesday and Thursday for public interviews and meetings with faculty, staff and the public.
“This is not a done deal yet,” said Regent Dean Johnson.