VSU’s search for a new provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs continues, as two candidates have recently been ruled out.

Dr. V.K. Unni, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bryant University and Dr. David Glassman, dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Southern Indiana were the final two candidates chosen for on-campus interviews out of over 70 applicants.

“Unfortunately, one of the candidates brought to campus declined a very strong offer,” President Dr. Patrick Schloss said in an announcement to faculty and staff.

The other candidate was simply not recommended by the screening committee after their on-campus visit in April.

VSU has actively searched for a new provost since November 2009, when Dr. Louis Levy retired after serving the university for more than 20 years. The Search and Screening Committee, headed by Dr. Jay Rickman, has screened 50 additional applicants since the position was re-advertised last summer.

“The committee will not select the actual provost. That authority is reserved to the president, but it is our job to start with the initial applicant pool and eventually get that down to the 4 to 6 best candidates to come to campus for in-depth interviews,” Rickman said.

Phillip Gunter has served as Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, where he oversees academic matters, the registrar, admissions, and international programs.

“I am very pleased that Dr. Gunter has agreed to continue in the interim position,” Schloss said in his May announcement. “I’m impressed by the quality of his leadership during the short time he has been at the helm.”