John N. Fox, Jr., chairman of the Wabash College Presidential Search Committee, has announced the names of three finalists in the search for the 15th president of the liberal arts college for men founded in 1832. Current President Andrew T. Ford announced last May his decision to step down in June 2006.
Dr. Patrick White, Dr. David Paris, and Dr. Patrick Keef are finalists to replace Ford and will interview on campus during the month of January. The Wabash College Board of Trustees will will make a decision to elect a new president on Saturday, January 28 at its regularly scheduled winter meeting. The Board has the option of electing one of the three finalists to succeed Ford, or ask the search committee to continue its efforts.
"In addition to the search committee's two extensive interviews with these candidates, we have had many conversations with individuals who have worked with them and know them well," said Fox. "There is a strong consensus within the committee that each of these candidates is capable of providing effective leadership for Wabash College."
Dr. Patrick E. White has served as Vice President and Dean of Faculty at Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, since 2002, and as the Associate Dean of Faculty from 1988 to 2002, and is Professor of English. He graduated with honors from the University of Chicago in 1971, and earned his master's and Ph.D. in English and American Literature from the University of Iowa.
Dr. David C. Paris is the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty at Hamilton College, a position he has held since 2001. David previously served as Acting Dean in 2000-2001, Associate Dean from 1997 to 2000, and Chairman of the Department of Government from 1984 to 1994. He is a 1971 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hamilton College. Dr. Paris earned his master’s and Ph.D. in Political Science from Syracuse University.
Dr. Patrick W. Keef is the Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Mathematics at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, a position he has held since 1996. He served as Associate Dean of the Faculty from 1995 to 1996, and was Acting Chief Administrative Officer during a presidential leave during the fall semester of 1999. Dr. Keef earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Oregon, and his master’s degree and Ph.D. in mathematics from Princeton University with a specialty in Abelian group theory.