MUNCIE, Ind. – In the next few weeks, Ball State University brings four candidates to campus to interview for the position of dean of the College of Business.

The university is seeking a successor for Neil Palomba, 58, retiring July 1 after 17 years as dean.

"We are seeking someone who will keep the College of Business in the national and international spotlight," said John Reno, head of the search committee and chair of the School of Physical Education. "We are extremely pleased with our candidate pool in this regard."

Candidates are scheduled to meet with a variety of committees and administrators, including the search committee, academic deans, the College of Business executive committee, Palomba, Provost Warren Vander Hill and President Blaine Brownell. Candidates also participate in open forums.

Candidates and interview schedules include:

• Michael C. Walker, the Virgil M. Schwarm Professor of Finance and Investments and academic director for undergraduate programs in the College of Business Administration at the University of Cincinnati, visits Jan. 22-23. The business college forum is 3-4 p.m. Jan. 22 and the alumni/university meeting is 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 23 in Bracken Library 215.
• Lynne D. Richardson, associate dean for undergraduate programs and external relations and a marketing professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, interviews Jan. 24-25. The college forum is 3-4 p.m. Jan. 24 and the alumni/university forum is 10-11 a.m. Jan. 25.
• James T. Strong, associate dean and marketing professor at the College of Business Administration at the University of Akron, visits Jan. 29-30. The college forum is 3-4 p.m. Jan. 29 and the alumni/university forum is 10-11 a.m. Jan. 30.
• William S. Reece, professor of economics and former associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Business and Economics at West Virginia University, visits Feb. 5-6. The college forum is 3-4 p.m. Feb 5 and the alumni/university forum is 9-10 a.m. Feb. 6.

Forums for College of Business faculty, staff and students will be in Whitinger Business Building Room 144. Alumni and university community members meet with candidates in Bracken Library Room 215.