The search for the University of MinnesotaâÄôs next senior vice president for academic affairs and provost is already down to four candidates.

The fifth, unnamed candidate, who was scheduled to host a public forum Monday afternoon, withdrew from the search, according to an email from search committee chairman and Vice President for Research Tim Mulcahy .

The last finalist for the position will be announced Monday and will be on campus Tuesday for interviews and a public forum.

Two of the three provost candidates announced so far were selected from within the University: College of Biological Sciences Dean Robert Elde  and College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences Dean Allen Levine. Gary Wihl, current dean of faculty of Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, is also in the running.

Look for a wrap-up of the candidatesâÄô visits to campus in WednesdayâÄôs Minnesota Daily.