Applications and nominations for the soon-to-be-vacant of presidency of Iowa State are now being accepted by Parker Executive Search, the firm hired earlier this year by the Iowa Board of Regents.

According to the university news service, the Georgia-based firm is receiving all forms. After all applications have been received, specialists will work with a diverse search committee consisting of faculty, students, alumni and Board of Regents members to whittle down the candidate list.

“The committee will continue to meet through the summer,” said John Lawrence, a faculty representative on the committee and a associate dean for extension and outreach programs. “The goal is to interview candidates in the fall.”

The selected candidate will succeed sitting ISU President Gregory Geoffroy. Geoffroy announced this spring that he will retire no later than July 31, 2012.