U. Mich. considers Chodorow for top post

Penn provost one of four likely finalists for Michigan presidency, but is 'not out there looking for a job' and Tammy Reiss Provost Stanley Chodorow is among four finalists recommended for the presidency of the University of Michigan. Michigan's Board of Regents will determine the official finalist list during a meeting today, according to Michigan spokesperson Julie Peterson. University spokesperson Kenneth Wildes said last night he that expects the Regents to keep Chodorow and the other three candidates, originally chosen by Michigan's Presidential Search Advisory Committee, on the final list. Peterson said the school will "preferably" select a president before Thanksgiving. Although Chodorow said last night he is "not out there looking for a job," he added that he would not rule out the possibility if selected for the position. "The only reason why I am willing to be considered is the University of Michigan's prestige," he said. Chodorow said he has received several similar "inquiries" from other universities and has turned them all down. According to Chodorow, he did not actively seek the position at the University of Michigan, but was nominated for the slot. The majority of individuals considered for the position were nominated by colleagues, faculty and alumni, Peterson said, noting that only 11 of the original 302 candidates actually submitted applications. "The search committee reached far and wide in its networks," Peterson added. Wildes said an executive search firm was most likely employed to identify the top candidates for the position. "In most cases, when you get to that level, [the finalists] are recruited," he added. The next step in the selection process is a one-day round of interviews, including one with the Board of Regents and another with the entire university community, Peterson said. Chodorow will travel to Michigan Tuesday to participate in both interviews. Chodorow emphasized that the day-long activities will help him determine his interest in the position as well, adding that it is "unlikely" he would withdraw himself from candidacy following Tuesday's interview. "But it is a possibility," he added. "Obviously, something could come up during the interview that could change things." Chodorow stressed that the process is particularly arduous because he is happy at Penn. "I love Penn and I love the job I have," Chodorow said. He added that finding out about his finalist recommendation was "a pleasant shock." Dartmouth College Provost Lee Bollinger is among those on Michigan's recommended list, along with University of California at Berkeley Vice Chancellor and Provost Carol Christ and Larry Faulkner, provost and vice-chancellor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Wildes praised Michigan's choice of recommended finalists. "In all four instances, [the candidates] are all extraordinary people with good backgrounds," Wildes said. He also noted that Chodorow's recommendation shows that members of Penn's administration are regarded highly enough to be recruited for positions at universities of Michigan's caliber. Penn President Judith Rodin said the recommendation is a compliment to the University. "It's a great tribute to [Chodorow] and a great tribute to Penn that he is under such great consideration," Rodin said. The new president will replace former Michigan President James Duderstadt, who left the university in June. In the meantime, Homer Neal is serving as the school's interim president.