The search for a new dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine is moving forward, said the head of the search committee.

Catherine Woteki, dean of the College of Agriculture, leads the 21-member search committee.

The committee narrowed the number candidates from 50 to fewer than 10 on Jan. 17.

The next step is for off-campus interviews to be conducted for an entire weekend. Then, three to four candidates will be selected for on-campus interviews around early March, said Alicia Carriquiry, associate provost and member of the committee.

When the candidates come for their on-campus interview, their names will then be made public, Woteki said.

“Confidentiality is a huge part of the process,” said Holly Bender, associate professor of veterinary pathology.

“People won’t apply unless you tell them you will maintain confidentiality.”

Bender said applicants request privacy because many maintain high positions within their universities. Revealing names could possibly damage their careers, she said.

The committee was first established in fall 2003 to select a dean to replace Dean Norman Cheville when he retires at the end of the 2003-04 academic year after serving as dean since May 2001.

The search process takes many months, Carriquiry said. The first step is for the committee to agree on a list of qualifications applicants will need. Then, announcements are sent out to the veterinary medicine community, asking for applications and nominations, she said.

The committee reviews the applicants’ credentials, contacts references and then cuts down the number of applicants based on the committee’s analysis and feedback from references, Woteki said.

The new dean is expected to take over the College of Veterinary Medicine on July 1.