By Adam Allington, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – The University of Missouri board of curators met on Thursday at the system's St. Louis campus.
Foremost on their agenda is selecting a new president to replace outgoing president Elson Floyd.
Board Chairman Don Walsworth says there isn't a timeline but the process should move quickly.
"We're not going to rush it but hopefully we can accommodate this in 3-4 months," says Walsworth. "It's just what candidates are available and I think it'll be soon then later."
The university has contracted the Atlanta-based executive search firm Baker-Parker to recruit candidates.
The 9-member board of met for over three hours outlining what kind of candidate would best suit the four-campus University System.
High on their list of credentials, someone who can work with the private sector, someone from an academic background and someone who can petition the Missouri Legislature on the University's behalf.
Board member David Wasinger says he would like to cater the new president's contract toward meeting certain benchmarks.
"I would strongly be in favor of some type of incentive based contract," said Wasinger, "a very goal-oriented contract, whether it's student retention, faculty resources, alumni giving."
Current President Elson Flyod is scheduled start his new job as president of Washington State in July.