Three candidates from U.S. universities have been selected as finalists for University of Guam president, the UOG Presidential Search Committee announced Tuesday.
Dr. Thomas W. Krise, Dr. Bruce T. Murphy and Dr. Hamid Shirvani were chosen among the 60 candidates who applied for the position which opened in March, according to the committee.
In the final selection process, one of them will take over the seat of Dr. Robert Underwood, who is retiring on June 30 after serving 10 years as head of the university.
Krise is formerly president of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where he continues to serve as President Emeritus and Professor of English. He served 22 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Murphy is a consultant with the Registry for College & University Presidents Inc. of Peabody, Massachusetts. He was the fifth president of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana for four years.
Shirvani served as president of Briar Cliff University and has worked in the field of higher education for 39 years, with 28 years spent in senior level executive leadership and management posts.
The PSC said it narrowed the list to nine semifinalists selected from the 60 applications. After extensive interviews with the nine semifinalists, the three individuals named above were selected to become finalists, the committee said.
It was not known as of press time if there were local candidates who applied for the position.
PSC Chairman William Leon Guerrero said the three finalists will be invited to visit the campus later next month to meet with Underwood, the
students, faculty, the Board of Regents and other stakeholders.
“The dates of their impending visits will be announced at a later time. After the visits take place, the BOR will make an offer to the candidate of their choice,” PSC said.
“The caliber of these finalists is at an extremely high level. The PSC is very impressed with their credentials and wide range of substantive experiences. We are excited with what they each potentially have to offer towards the continued progress and growth of the University,” Leon Guerrero said. “After we meet with all of the finalists in person, the BOR will be able to determine who would make the best fit for the campus.”