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WEST LIBERTY -- West Liberty University is reopening the search for its next president after one of two remaining candidates withdrew from consideration this week.
"Due to the decision by one of our two finalists to withdraw from the Presidential Search process at the last minute, we feel that it is best to extend the search and reopen it on a national level today," said Rich Lucas, chairman of WLU's Board of Governors and chair of the 2020 Presidential Search Committee.
The decision by Robert Colvin to withdraw came about on Wednesday, prior to a scheduled meeting of the Board of Governors.
"This was a decision that we didn't anticipate," said Lucas.
Colvin had just visited campus on Tuesday and completed his official interview with faculty, staff, students and the committee.
"All Board of Governors agreed that it was best to reopen the search and a new timeline will be announced soon," Lucas said.
In the meantime, Stephen Greiner, the university's current president, has agreed to stay on until Nov. 26.
The last official day of class for the fall term is planned for Nov. 24 due to COVID-19 safety concerns. Final exams will be online and are scheduled for Nov. 28 to Dec. 4, allowing students to remain at home after Thanksgiving break.
Greiner announced his anticipated June 30, retirement in November 2019 but stayed on due to COVID-19 and the March 2020 delay of the search due to the pandemic.
"I am more than grateful that President Greiner has agreed, yet again, to delay his much-deserved retirement. Once again, he has placed West Liberty University, our students, faculty and staff above his own personal plans. Leading the university during a pandemic is an unprecedented accomplishment in our 183 years of existence and he has done so with a calm, steady hand. The Board of Governors and I thank him so much," said Lucas.