Associated Press Published

Fairmont State Widening President Search after Lawsuit

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Following a lawsuit over Fairmont State University’s presidential selection process, officials who had already chosen three finalists for the job are widening their hunt.

  The Times West Virginian reports the Board of Governors voted unanimously Thursday to hire a search firm to broaden the pool of candidates.

Faculty representative Bud Sapp says the faculty senate endorsed Christopher Cirmo. Cirmo is a dean at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and was one of three finalists announced in February. Officials say all three will be considered.

Chairwoman Dixie Yann says she doesn’t know if an interim president will be necessary after FSU President Maria Rose retires in June.

Professors Galen Hansen and Albert Magro filed a lawsuit this month against the board over its selection process. The board has declined to comment.