Wheaton College on track with search for new president

After considering more than 75 candidates, Wheaton College officials have narrowed the field to a handful of finalists in their search for a new president.

Current President Duane Litfin announced plans last March to retire in mid-2010. He has served in the post since 1993.

Since Litfin's announcement, Wheaton College formed a president selection committee to search for its eighth president. Applications were accepted through November and the committee is expected to make recommendations to the board of trustees by spring 2010, with a goal to have the new president in place by July 1, 2010.

School officials refuse to say how many candidates are still in the running, although they did say it is less than 10.

Donald Meyer, co-chairman of the search committee, said the next president will need to be someone who has solid leadership and academic skills, a strong theological position and who can continue Litfin's vision.

Under Litfin's leadership, Wheaton College expanded its academic offerings, improved its faculty and raised tens of millions of dollars for capital improvements.

"The search continues to move forward as expected, and the committee is on track to make an announcement within the first three months of 2010," Meyer said. "The committee is pleased with the caliber of the candidates who have been nominated, and we are prayerfully engaged with a smaller number of candidates at this point."