A University search committee announced four finalists for the executive vice president and provost position Tuesday.

Robert Bruininks, who currently holds the position, is stepping down at the end of the academic year to hold a faculty position in the College of Education and Human Development.

After a nationwide search, the committee approved four finalists: Robert Jones, University vice president for campus life; Christine Maziar, University vice president for research and Graduate School dean; Risa Palm, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill College of Arts and Sciences dean; and Marlene Strathe, provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Northern Colorado.

University President Mark Yudof said the finalists all have experienced backgrounds and there is a good balance between external and internal candidates. He said the position comes with encompassing responsibilities.

“Besides the office of the president, this is the most critical appointment for the University system,” Yudof said. “It’s the number two officer of the whole system.”

The executive vice president and provost is responsible for all colleges and academic units and oversees several departments, including budget and finance, admissions and University libraries.

Strathe said if she is given the position, she plans to address fiscal accountability and quality and accessibility of education for students.

“I find the position attractive because it is complex and demanding,” Strathe said.

Maziar said she is in a win-win situation.

“If the president were to choose me, I would have new and interesting capacities, and if not, I still love my job as vice president for research,” Mazair said.

Jones and Palm were not
available for comment.

Interviews with each candidate will take place throughout May. The Board of Regents is expected to decide in June after Yudof makes his recommendation at the end of May.

“I am looking for someone with integrity, diversity for faculty, students and staff – someone who is organized and able to strategically plan and delegate authority,” Yudof said.

-Brad Unangst contributed to this report.