A Southeast Missouri State University search committee has chosen five finalists for provost.

They are Dr. Terrel Rhodes, special assistant to the provost for assessment at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte; Dr. Gordon Nelson, dean of the College of Science and Liberal Arts at Florida Institute of Technology; Dr. Stephen Bowen, vice provost for instruction at Michigan Technological University; Dr. W. Hubert Keen, special assistant to the university provost at the State University of New York-Albany; and Dr. Jane Stephens, executive vice chancellor at the University of South Carolina-Spartansburg.

The finalists will visit the campus during the next two weeks for interviews. They will meet with faculty, staff, students, members of the community and the university administration.

The university announced the finalists Friday.

"We have very strong candidates," said Dr. Tom Harte, who chairs the Provost Search Committee.

Harte said the committee hopes to make its final recommendations to university President Dr. Ken Dobbins by the first of March.

The committee will forward three names to Dobbins, who will make a final recommendation to the Board of Regents.

The national search attracted more than 50 applicants for the position. Dr. Dennis Holt has served as interim provost since last June when Dr. Charles Kupchella resigned to take a job as president of the University of North Dakota.

The finalists will hold open forums with students as well as general public forums.

Rhodes will visit the campus Monday. He will meet with students at 4:15 p.m. Monday in Crisp Hall. An open forum is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the University Center Ballroom.

Nelson will meet with students at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday in the University Center Program Lounge. A general forum is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Thursday in Glenn Auditorium.

Bowen will meet with students at 11:15 a.m. Thursday in Glenn Auditorium. A general forum is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Keen will meet with students at 4:15 p.m. on Feb. 21 in the University Center Ballroom. He will participate in an open forum at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 22 in Glenn Auditorium.

Stephens will meet with students at 4:15 p.m. on Feb. 23 in the University Center Indian Room. A general forum is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 24 in Glenn Auditorium.