Senior associate dean and chief financial officer at the University of Minnesota Brent Hales was named the first finalist for the vice president of Extension and Outreach at Iowa State, according to a press release sent Friday morning by the university. 

John Lawrence currently holds the interim position, after Cathann Kress announced that she would be leaving for Ohio State University in early 2017. 

Hales is set to visit campus and meet with faculty and staff, as well as host an open forum on Feb. 26 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Gallery Room of the Memorial Union. 

Hales holds a doctorate from Iowa State in rural sociology, as well as a master’s degree in sociology from Middle Tennessee State University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Brigham Young University, according to the press release. 

He has previously worked at Des Moines Area Community College, Delta State University, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Minnesota Crookston and University of Minnesota-St. Paul in numerous positions. 

Hales joined University of Minnesota Extension in 2012 and was promoted to senior associate dean and chief financial officer in 2014 and 2015. 

More information on Hales and future candidates can be found here.