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News Release

Four Finalists Selected in Lamar University Presidential Search (2/25/13)

(AUSTIN) – The search for Lamar University’s 15th president has produced four finalists who will visit the university’s campus next week. Following an extensive national search, an 18-member Advisory Committee has selected the following individuals to move to the next stage in the search process.

John R. English, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Engineering
Kansas State University

Kenneth R. Evans, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Business
University of Oklahoma

Gregg Lassen, J.D., Ph.D.
Vice President for Finance and Operations
Lamar University

Carl Stockton, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
University of Houston Clear Lake

The four finalists are scheduled to visit Lamar University March 7th and 8th to participate in several forums with students, faculty and staff. Additionally, a public reception will be held March 7th at 5:00 p.m. in the University Reception Center on the 8th floor of the Mary and John Gray Library to give members of the community an opportunity to meet the finalists. A schedule of these events will be posted online at http://www.lamar.edu/about-lu/presidential-search/index.html.

The Advisory Search Committee, appointed by the chairman of the Board of Regents of The Texas State University System, received more than 75 applications and nominations for the Lamar University presidency last December. After reviewing these candidates’ application materials, the committee invited 10 candidates to interview in-person, and selected four individuals to visit the campus.

Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall is expected to recommend a sole finalist to the TSUS Board of Regents by the end of March. Current Lamar University President Jimmy Simmons, who announced his retirement last year, will remain in his position until the new president takes office.