Louisiana Tech Presidential Semi-Finalists Interviewed on Campus
By: Alanna Quillen
Updated: November 29, 2012
RUSTON -- On Wednesday, the search for a new president of Louisiana Tech University is one step closer to reaching a decision.
Since early this morning, the two semi finalist candidates have been in meetings for interviews with the search committee and the public -- including faculty, staff and students.
The candidates include Dr. Leslie Guice, the current executive Vice President for Research and Development at Louisiana Tech -- and also a Tech alumnus and 34-year faculty member.
"Some people saw some things that they like, and gave me some opportunities to advance in different administrative roles," he said Wednesday in a press conference.
And the other semi finalist is Dr. Duane Hrncir, the current president of South Dakota school of Mines and Technology.
"I want to get to know this campus really well," he said when asked what would be his first order of business if he became president. "I would probably spend a lot of time with faculty, staff and students, getting to know the students, and asking them what should be my first order of business, asking them what needs to be addressed first."
Each candidate took turns answering questions by the committee and public.
Those questions ranged from topics in budget constraints, strengths and opportunities for the school, and untapped areas of the university.
Guice says he hopes to work in improving all areas of the school.
"I believe its very important for me to begin a development program where we reach out to alumni, foundations, and friends, and help us raise some external revenues that would be really important to achieve some of these goals that we are setting for the future," he said.
Some of what Hrncir discussed is to focus on recruitment at the school and growing faculty.
and we can grow from strength and grow can mean lots of things, not just enrollment, but it means growing more faculty, growing the research base, increasing the donor base working with corporations that hire our graduates here at tech
Although he's coming from a school out of state, Hrncir says he already senses similarities at Louisiana Tech.
"We do have this sense of family and community at the School of Mines and I think I get that same perception here," he said.
On Thursday, the search committee will deliberate and decide who to recommend to be interview by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana system, set to take place December 4th in Baton Rouge.
System officials say even both candidates could be recommended.
"That could be one of the two candidates, that could be both of the candidate or it could be neither, it's up to their discretion," said Jackie Tisdale, UL System Public Relations.
Voting members of the LA Tech search committee include UL System Board Members Edward Crawford of Shreveport, Student Member and Tech SGA President William Dearmon, Jimmy Faircloth of Alexandria, David Guidry of Harvey, Jimmy Long, Sr. of Natchitoches, Board Vice Chair Russell Mosely of Baton Rouge, Board Chair Wayne Parker of Choudrant, and Winfred Sibille of Sunset. Also serving as a voting member is Tech faculty member Heath Tims.
The December 4th meeting will take place in Baton Rouge -- click here for more information on the search, and for access in watching the interview that will take place next week.
Since early this morning, the two semi finalist candidates have been in meetings for interviews with the search committee and the public -- including faculty, staff and students.
The candidates include Dr. Leslie Guice, the current executive Vice President for Research and Development at Louisiana Tech -- and also a Tech alumnus and 34-year faculty member.
"Some people saw some things that they like, and gave me some opportunities to advance in different administrative roles," he said Wednesday in a press conference.
And the other semi finalist is Dr. Duane Hrncir, the current president of South Dakota school of Mines and Technology.
"I want to get to know this campus really well," he said when asked what would be his first order of business if he became president. "I would probably spend a lot of time with faculty, staff and students, getting to know the students, and asking them what should be my first order of business, asking them what needs to be addressed first."
Each candidate took turns answering questions by the committee and public.
Those questions ranged from topics in budget constraints, strengths and opportunities for the school, and untapped areas of the university.
Guice says he hopes to work in improving all areas of the school.
"I believe its very important for me to begin a development program where we reach out to alumni, foundations, and friends, and help us raise some external revenues that would be really important to achieve some of these goals that we are setting for the future," he said.
Some of what Hrncir discussed is to focus on recruitment at the school and growing faculty.
and we can grow from strength and grow can mean lots of things, not just enrollment, but it means growing more faculty, growing the research base, increasing the donor base working with corporations that hire our graduates here at tech
Although he's coming from a school out of state, Hrncir says he already senses similarities at Louisiana Tech.
"We do have this sense of family and community at the School of Mines and I think I get that same perception here," he said.
On Thursday, the search committee will deliberate and decide who to recommend to be interview by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana system, set to take place December 4th in Baton Rouge.
System officials say even both candidates could be recommended.
"That could be one of the two candidates, that could be both of the candidate or it could be neither, it's up to their discretion," said Jackie Tisdale, UL System Public Relations.
Voting members of the LA Tech search committee include UL System Board Members Edward Crawford of Shreveport, Student Member and Tech SGA President William Dearmon, Jimmy Faircloth of Alexandria, David Guidry of Harvey, Jimmy Long, Sr. of Natchitoches, Board Vice Chair Russell Mosely of Baton Rouge, Board Chair Wayne Parker of Choudrant, and Winfred Sibille of Sunset. Also serving as a voting member is Tech faculty member Heath Tims.
The December 4th meeting will take place in Baton Rouge -- click here for more information on the search, and for access in watching the interview that will take place next week.
