The search for a replacement for Jeff Cooley, vice president for business affairs, is progressing as planned.

Robert Augustine, dean of the Graduate School and chair of the search committee, said the search committee has received 36 applications and will continue reviewing them until campus interviews are scheduled for sometime in January.

“We continue to expect that we will schedule on-campus interviews beginning in January and continuing through February of 2009,” he said. “We have not yet determined the total number of on-campus interviews we will hold.”

Augustine added the committee was pleased with the qualifications of the applicants.

Cooley announced his retirement in June. It will become effective Dec. 31.

A permanent vice president for businesses affairs is anticipated to start by April 1.

President Bill Perry named Paul McCann interim vice president for business affairs on Dec. 2.

McCann, director of business services/treasurer, said he applied for the permanent position.

Augustine referred to the position’s description, which appeared in all announcements about the opening.

Candidates for the positions must be qualified in administration, in an environment of federal and state laws and familiar with business, accounting, fiscal policies and university regulations.

Candidates also are required to have experience in risk management, insurance, operating capital budgets and having the oversight of facilities, including monitoring new construction and the rehabilitation of existing facilities.

The vice president for business affairs must also be able to communicate and work effectively with students, faculty, staff, state agencies, education boards and the private sector.

Matt Hopf can be reached at 581-7942 or at mthopf@eiu.edu.