The search for a new Dean of Students has been narrowed down to six candidates, who participated in open forums between Jan. 17 and 26.

Thomas Hill, vice president for student affairs and the person who will be selecting the new dean, did not attend the forums but said he has spoken with each of the candidates.

He also said the search is still in the evaluation process and before a decision is made, he still has to take into consideration the feedback he has been getting from students, faculty and staff, and personal evaluations of each candidate.

“I am looking for an individual that’s a leader and is able to enhance the student affairs office,” Hill said. “The new dean needs to be someone who will have a good relationship with students, faculty and staff.”

Sharon McGuire has been the interim dean of students since July 1, 2005, when former dean Pete Englin became director for the Department of Residence. She is a candidate for the position.

Hill has been able to observe McGuire for the past six months, but he says that he still has the other candidates’ resumes, references and experience to consider.

He added that no candidate stands out from another, and said it depends only on who he feels is able to perform best as the new dean.

“I think [the forums] went really well,” said Todd Holcomb, associate vice president for student affairs and chairman of the search committee. “I wasn’t able to attend all of them, but there seemed to be a good number of people at each forum, as well as a good variety.”

At the forums, each candidate gave a five to ten minute presentation on a specific topic such as campus diversity or millennial students. After the presentation, the floor was open to the attendees for questioning.

“I also met with the candidates four times while they were here and got to know them on a personal level,” Holcomb said.

The dean of students is responsible for a variety of student academics and support services such as Greek Affairs, Recreation Services and Multicultural Student Affairs.

Holcomb described the position as a “firefighter position.” The dean is the first response person to emergencies and is there to help provide support, he said.

“We need someone who cares deeply about the students,” he said.

“Someone who is able to handle crisis management and conflict, and promote and support diversity at the university.”

Holcomb added that an appointment will hopefully be made in two to three weeks, with a start date as soon as possible.