The next phase of the vice president for university advance search kicks off today with Pamela Christman’s visit to campus.

Christman is one of four final candidates invited to participate in a series of on-campus interviews, starting with a meeting with President Bill Perry.

Christman currently serves as assistant vice chancellor for institutional advancement and senior director of recruitment and training at the University of Illinois.

“I think I have a very broad and deep perspective of university advancement,” Christman said. “This position is a great opportunity for me to help a university.”

Christman was not looking for a new job when she decided to apply for the position. She stumbled upon it while browsing Eastern’s special education course offerings.

“I was not looking for a job at the time, I was looking for online courses in special education,” she said.

Christman has a disabled son, and a friend had told her Eastern had some classes that she might find useful.

“This just happened to be a great time,” she said. “I’m looking for a place where I can have an impact.”

Christman said she is excited to help bring the capital fundraising campaign out of its silent phase.

“Leading and energizing campaigns is something I do well,” she said. “Given the stress on resources, (the campaign) would be a major focus for me.”

After a day of interviews and lunch with Jill Nilsen, vice president for external relations, two open sessions will be held.

A session for campus faculty, students and staff will be held at 4 p.m. in room 3108 Blair Hall.

A session for community, foundation and alumni association members will be at 7 p.m. in the same room.

The other candidates invited to visit campus are Jim Salmo, of Columbia, Mo., on Monday; Robert Martin, of Auburn, Ala., on Thursday; and Keith Carver, of Martin, Tenn., on Monday, Nov. 30.

Perry said, “It’s a very good pool, very strong. I’m pleased.”

After the final visit, the search committee will present a report to Perry with their recommendations. Perry said the pace would move quickly after the committee gives its report.

“I’ll make the decision in pretty short order after that, within the week,” Perry said. “I’d like to have all of those considerations done by the middle of December at the latest.”

Perry will make his recommendation to the Board of Trustees, and the board will make a final decision.

“Before I make the recommendation, I will be speaking with the board members individually,” he said. “You don’t make the recommendation without having some sense that there is support from the board.”

The new hire will replace Nilsen after her retirement on Dec. 31. If the candidate is not able to begin immediately, someone will be chosen to serve as interim vice president.

Sarah Ruholl can be reached at 581-7942 or seruholl2@eiu.edu.