Iowa State Provost John Kozak learned earlier this week that he was not chosen to be chancellor of Nebraska’s main campus in Lincoln.

Kozak was one of three finalists for the position. L. Dennis Smith, president of the University of Nebraska system, made the final decision. James C. Moeser, vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of South Carolina, was named chancellor.

Kozak said although he was not chosen for the position, he did have an opportunity to learn about the research commitment in biological sciences at the Nebraska.

Kozak spent one and a half days in Lincoln in interviews.

“I was worried a little bit about the process at first, but I’m glad now that I’ve gone through it. It is a mutual process,” Kozak said. “There is an opportunity for both sides to see if it would be a good fit. You’re given a chance to form your own opinions. It’s a dialogue, not so much an interview.”

If Kozak had been chosen, he would have been the second of four officials that report directly to ISU President Martin Jischke to leave this year. Reid Crawford, former vice president for external affairs, left in September for a similar position at the University of Maryland.

“I am delighted and thrilled that Dr. Kozak will continue to serve as Provost here at Iowa State,” Jischke said. “I admire his work and consider him a professional and personal friend, and am very happy that he will be staying. I consider him a wonderful asset to this university.”