DeKALB — A nationwide search to fill the vacant vice president and provost position has been ongoing, and NIU has received 80 to 100 applications for the post to date.

The search has been underway since NIU President Lisa Freeman’s Sep. 20 Board of Trustees report.

In the capacity of executive vice president and provost, the individual who will fill this role will serve as NIU’s chief academic officer.

The duties associated with this position include coordinating the academic mission of the university, managing student’s studies and adapting policy for faculty and administrators.

The motion was approved unanimously by the Board of Trustees at the time of its passing. NIU Spokesperson Joe King said Witt/Kieffer, a private executive search firm, was contracted by NIU to conduct the search. Acting Provost Chris McCord declined to comment.

King said officials from NIU and Witt/Kieffer are currently evaluating candidates, and off-campus interviews will begin shortly then continue until four applicants remain.

King said officials hope to bring the final applicants to tour the campus and meet faculty and administrators before spring break.

“Once the search is going, we’ll have it locked down pretty good,” King said.