The University Honors Program is interviewing three finalists this week in search of a new director.

Communication Studies Professor Jeff Chown, English Professor James Giles and University Honors Program Assistant Director James Marett were selected by a search committee earlier this month, Honors Program secretary Joanne Ganshirt said.

The search committee, made up of the associate provost, three students, a staff member from honors and the chairman of the honors committee selected the three finalists from ten entries, Ganshirt said.

She said a new director will be selected from the three finalists by the selection committee. The committee is made up of the present director, members of the honors committee, honor students, the associate provost and department chairs.

Associate Provost Lou Jean Moyer said the director must have the following qualifications: they must hold tenure in an academic department, exhibit a commitment to a strong culturally diverse honors program and be effective in working with students and faculty.

She said the candidate also should have some experience with the academic phases of the honors program.

The director’s duties include scheduling honors classes, overseeing the honors program, recruiting work with administrators and sitting on various committees, Ganshirt said.

The new director will replace University Honors Program Director F. Marion Miller, who will retire at the end of this semester.

The position will begin on July 1.