As the search for a new university president continues, the process has reached a new milestone with five candidates being named finalists for the position.

While the names of the candidates have yet to be released, an Oct. 30 press release gave information on the background of the finalists. 

The next president will replace outgoing President James L. Gaudino, who announced earlier this year he would be retiring from his position next July.

According to the press release, the deadline for applicants to apply was Sept. 30, and the Trustees Search Advisory Committee (TSAC) reviewed applications in October before interviewing 10 applicants. 

After the interviews, the committee officially recommended five applicants to the CWU Board of Trustees, who accepted the applications unanimously.

Among the finalists for the position are three women and two people of color. 

While all of the candidates have earned tenure at a university, three currently work as provosts, one is currently a president and one is a CEO.

In the press release TSAC chair, CWU Trustee Erin Black said the application process produced a diverse application pool of more than 80 people from around the world.

“We were delighted to have an extremely diverse and talented pool of candidates,” Black said. “These are remarkable individuals, and each would bring unique strengths and experiences to the role of president.”

CWU Trustee Jeff Hensler indicated in the press release that the next phase of interviews would take place in person.

“Hiring a president is the most important responsibility of the trustees,” Hensler said. “It’s important to meet the next leader of our university face-to-face and truly understand what has brought them to this search and how they intend to lead our university.

Since the Board of Trustees has approved the list of finalists, the board will now interview the candidates throughout November with the goal of announcing the next president before the end of the year.

While Gaudino has said he would step down on July 31, 2021, the press release says it is currently unclear when the new president would take over.