Regents could choose SUU president from four finalists Friday

The Utah Board of Regents could choose a new president of Southern Utah University Friday from a list of four finalists that includes another Utah college president, the first North American female geologist to serve as a university head, a top SUU academic and a Florida business college dean.

Snow College president Scott Wyatt is in the running along with chief academic officer for SUU, Bradley Cook. The list also includes one female candidate, geologist Lisa Rossbacher, who is president of Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Ga.

Rounding out the top four chosen by a 21-member committee is Don Capener, dean of the Davis College of Business at Jacksonville University in Florida and a Brigham Young University graduate.

The finalists will visit the Cedar City institution and meet with groups representing faculty, staff, students and administration Thursday. The regents will interview them Friday and could choose a replacement at a 4 p.m. public meeting, but if there isn't yet a consensus they could put off the decision until a later date.

Benson announced his departure in April after six years at the helm of SUU to take the top job at Eastern Kentucky University. Benson also served as president of Snow; Wyatt replaced him.

Richard Kendell, the former state commissioner for higher education, has been serving as interim president of SUU since July.

Two other Utah college presidents announced departures last month. Salt Lake Community College President Cynthia Bioteau will be president at Florida State College and Dixie State University president Stephen Nadauld will retire.

lwhitehurst@sltrib.com

Twitter: @lwhitehurst