When news of President Foster’s upcoming retirement was still fresh, the search for his replacement was already starting.

Interviews for finalists begin on March 31 and April 1, after a search that began in January produced over 60 applicants.

“President Foster is the first president to be appointed to lead CMU by the university’s board of trustees rather than the Trustees of State Colleges in Colorado,” CMU Public Relations Director David Ludlam said. “Which previously appointed presidents for CMU, Adams State, and Western State, and appointed presidents for then Mesa State since 1974.”

Finalists are tentatively scheduled to visit campus on April 26.

The current search committee includes members of the Board of Trustees, staff representative Tremaine Jackson and Associated Student Government President Angle Bautista. Other staff support includes facilitator Carol Futhey, affirmative action representative Jill Knuckles and administrative assistant Sue Fante.

In 2003, legislation was passed that created governing boards for the three universities mentioned, which is why Foster was the first to be appointed by the university board.

The search for the next president will likely stretch to May. Foster is set to officially retire at the end of June.