The search continues for a new University president as multiple committees prepare to gear up for what looks to be a long process.

On Dec. 18, David Parker, chairman of the Board of Trustees, sent an e-mail to the University community informing them about the efforts and advancements taking place in the search for the next president.

President Modesto A. Maidique asked the BOT in November to begin a search for his successor. He agreed to continue his role as president until someone is found to replace him.

Since 1969, FIU has grown to high standards with the assistance and perseverance of four University presidents: Charles E. Perry, Harold B. Crosby, Gregory B. Wolfe and Modesto A. Maidique.

Thanks to these four prominent and esteemed individuals, the University has grown to become respected worldwide.

As the e-mail Parker sent implies, it “won’t be a simple task searching for our next University president.”

Several steps are being taken to guarantee a creditable candidate for a position so highly sought after.

Two committees have been formed to recognize potential aspirants for the position; the Presidential Search Advisory Committee and the Board of Trustees Presidential Search Committee.

The PSAC “is made up of 25 members of the University and South Florida community … This group will work closely with the search firm to identify and select a broad pool of qualified candidates, which will then be forwarded to the BOT Search Committee,” according to a press release.

Senior Vice President Vivian Sanchez has agreed to work with the BOTPSC to “ensure that this presidential search is a thoughtful, transparent and inclusive process.”

She will take part in the committee by issuing a request for proposals so that the search committee “may select a national search firm with experience in identifying and recruiting university presidents.”

So far there are several candidates in mind for the position, but no word yet on any potential favorites.

Maidique has served as president of the University for the past 22 years. Throughout this time, he has added 22 doctoral programs, 18 undergraduate programs, opened a School of Law, a School of Engineering, the School of Medicine and the new School of International and Public Affairs.