The same search committee will have to restart its hunt for a new chair of the biological sciences department.

Mary Anne Hanner, dean of the College of Sciences, said the five biology faculty members who conducted this year’s search would comprise the committee again, along with Diane Hoadley, dean of Lumpkin College of Business and Applied Sciences, who will head the committee for the second time.

Hoadley said she was pleased all committee members agreed to partake in the new search.

“They understand the process and procedures, and are aware of the difficulties associated with hiring for mid-career positions,” she said.

The five faculty members – Janice Collins, Kip McGilliard, Jeff Laursen, Karen Gaines and Gordon Tucker – could have many challenges finding an applicant.

After the committee selected finalists for this year’s search, one candidate declined an offer because of a depreciated real estate market around his home in San Francisco.

Others accepted different offers at other universities.

Hoadley said the greatest challenge for the committee is selecting someone willing to change positions midway through his career.

She said that if the candidate has children, schools become a factor in the decision to switch jobs, along with employment opportunities for a spouse.

“It’s not just the economy that has an impact on recruiting strong candidates to our area,” Hoadley said.

She said, despite these challenges, the committee will conduct a national search with an emphasis on generating a larger and stronger applicant pool.

The committee will plan to review applications starting at the end of September and create a list of finalists by the end of October, Hoadley said.

The committee will also look for particular qualities when deciding on a new chair.

Hoadley said the committee is looking for an established scientist who has a genuine commitment to teaching.

So far, the committee had its first meeting on April 13, where the members reviewed position descriptions and discussed a timeline for the search.

Hoadley said the committee appears to be willing to conduct another search. The original search lasted from the end of spring 2008 to January 2009.

“We all have had a chance to regroup since the last search,” she said. “We had a lively discussion at our first meeting, suggesting that the members are engaged and focused on a successful search.”

While the search develops, Godson Obia, associate dean of the College of Sciences, will continue to serve as interim biology department chair until July 1.

Hanner said the college is in the process of naming another interim chair, which would start the job after July 1. She expects the new interim to serve until June 30, 2010, which means a permanent chair is likely to start July 1, 2010.

Stephen Di Benedetto can be reached at 581-7942 or at sdibenedetto@eiu.edu.