The University of Minnesota announced Monday the fourth and final candidate to become senior vice president for academic affairs and provost: Karen Hanson.

Hanson, executive vice president of Indiana University and provost of its Bloomington campus, will take part in a public forum from 3:30p.m. to 5 p.m. today in Keller Hall 3-180.

As provost at Indiana University, Bloomington, Hanson provides academic leadership for the campus, supports faculty and student initiatives, and engages in strategic planning to improve the quality of education and to enhance and extend the research and service of the institution.

Hanson received her bachelorâÄôs degrees in philosophy and mathematics from the University of Minnesota in 1970. She also received her doctorate in philosophy from Harvard University in 1980.

There were originally five candidates for the position, but a candidate scheduled for a campus visit Monday withdrew from the running before his or her name was made public.

A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation, where Hanson will present her perspective on the challenges facing public higher education.

Check WednesdayâÄôs Minnesota Daily for a wrap-up of each of the candidateâÄôs visits to campus.