The University of Minnesota announced Wednesday that Allen S. Levine, dean of the UniversityâÄôs College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences is its third candidate to become senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.

Of the three candidates named so far, Levine is the second to be selected from within the University. Since November 2006, he has been dean of CFANS, where he oversees 1,800 undergraduate students, 760 graduate students, 275 faculty and 795 staff.

After receiving his undergraduate degree in botany from Rutgers University in 1970, Levine came to the University and received his masterâÄôs degree in botany in 1973 and his Ph.D. in nutrition in 1977.

He has held a variety of positions at the University since 1980 within medical and natural science fields.

On Thursday, Levine will present his perspective on challenges facing public higher education, to be followed by a question-and-answer period open to the entire University community.

The provost search committee expects to name the next provost by October.

A public forum with Levine is scheduled from 1:30 âÄì 3 p.m. today on the fourth floor of the Campus Club in Coffman Union (Rooms, A, B and C).

The two unannounced candidates will host public forums Monday and Tuesday. Check next WednesdayâÄôs Daily for in-depth coverage of each candidate.