The University of Wyoming Board of Trustees will interview three candidates for acting president during an executive session this week.
In March, the board announced unexpectedly that current President Laurie Nichols’ contract would not be renewed after it expires at the end of June.
The acting president will assume the university’s top leadership position July 1, following the completion of Nichols’ contract. The board expects the term of the acting president to last approximately one year, or until a long-term president is hired.
The candidates are Chris Boswell, who served as UW’s vice president for governmental and community affairs from 2012 to 2018, Bill Mai, who served as vice president for finance and administration from 2013 to 2018, and Neil Theobald, the current vice president for finance and administration.
The interviews will be held Wednesday, May 15, in executive session and representatives of UW’s faculty senate and staff senate will be invited to attend.
Although the interviews are not open to the public, the board will accept public input on the selection. Online comments on the candidates must be submitted by 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 14.
“We are delighted to have three very strong candidates willing to serve the state and the university in this important leadership role at a key time in UW’s history,” Board of Trustees Chairman Dave True said in a press release. “Our intent is to select an acting president who will, among other things, maintain the positive momentum of the university and lay the groundwork for a long-term president.”
Following the interviews, the board is scheduled to deliberate in executive session Wednesday and also Friday morning, if necessary. Selection of the acting president will take place in a public vote during a subsequent special meeting of the board.
The UW Board of Trustees has not discussed details of the search for a long-term president, but members have expressed support for an open, transparent search process that involves stakeholders across UW’s constituencies, including Wyoming citizens. Details will be discussed in future open meetings of the board.
