NIU Provost Kendall Baker, who has been at NIU since 1987, is a presidential candidate at Memphis State University, a position which will be available this fall.

Baker said he received a call from the presidential search committee Friday informing him he was still in the running for the position.

According to the Daily Helmsman, Memphis State University’s student newspaper, there are around 21 applicants for the position, which will be narrowed to ten candidates this Friday.

The position became available when Memphis State University President Thomas Carpenter announced early last year he would be leaving his position this spring. The new president will receive over $100,000 a year, said Memphis State University Chancellor, Otis Floyd.

Memphis State University enrollment is 20,681.

Baker said his name was submitted back in September or October and he responded to the opportunity, but he did not know he was still being considered until he heard from the committee on Friday.

However, Baker said he does not know who nominated him. “In most of these instances, I don’t know who does the nominating because I know several people in higher education,” he said.

I respond to the ones (universities) where I am nominated and I am interested in,” Baker said, “I’m nominated as provosts all over the country are nominated.”

He said he does not recall responding to any other universities.

Baker was chosen in October as one of three finalists up for the Kent State University presidential position. However, in December he was not chosen for the position.