Eight candidates in running for MUW presidency

COLUMBUS — Eight finalists from among more than 40 candidates for president of the Mississippi University for Women were invited to Jackson this week for a first round of interviews.

Hank Bounds, higher education commissioner, said the state College Board would have a difficult time selecting the one.

Bounds said he couldn’t provide much information about the candidates because many are in high-profile positions elsewhere.

That confidentiality, though, is of great annoyance to the outspoken alumni of the MUW.

Kim Kimbrough, class of 1980, tells The Clarion-Ledger the selected candidate’s relationship with alumni can make or break a president’s tenure, so MUW’s graduates shouldn’t be kept in the dark.

Bounds said the general hope is a new president can step into the position by the first of the year.