L. Jay Lemons, chancellor of the University of Virginia's College at Wise, announced Friday that he may leave his post to assume the presidency of Susquehanna University if he is offered that position.
Officials at SU, located in Selinsgrove, Penn., have chosen several finalists for the position, but Lemons is the only candidate who already was invited to visit the school's campus.
Lemons and his family are now at SU meeting faculty, students and alumni.
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SU spokeswoman Betsy Robertson stressed that the final decision has not been made, although the search committee at SU has indicated Lemons is its top candidate out of over 100 applicants.
"We're taking things one step at a time. We'll see how the visit goes" and then take it from there, Robertson said.
Robertson declined to disclose names of other candidates.
The final decision from SU officials will be released after Oct. 1, when the school's Board of Directors meets.
Lemons arrived at Wise in 1992 after working as chief of staff for University President John T. Casteen III.
Lemons is "an immensely popular figure down there. He has done wonders for the College" at Wise, said Alexander G. Gilliam Jr., Secretary to the Board of Visitors. "He has established a small but significant endowment."
Gilliam also said that although Wise used to have many problems, Lemons has "turned things around" dramatically.
He directed projects that included the college's name change last year from "Clinch Valley College of the University of Virginia" to the "University of Virginia's College at Wise."
Lemons implemented a more selective admissions policy, increased faculty salaries and developed a comprehensive student life program. Also, the school's enrollment increased during his tenure.
The school's first-ever capital campaign is expected to raise more than $18 million and be completed well ahead of schedule.
Under Lemons' leadership, U.S. News & World Report ranked the school second among the South's public liberal arts colleges.
When Lemons announced he was seeking a new position, he released the text of a letter concerning his decision.
"Susquehanna is an institution that shares many of the characteristics and values we prize here at U.Va.-Wise," he wrote. "It is one of a handful of American institutions that could possibly lure us away from a campus and region we love and consider home."
Jane Meade-Dean, Director of College Relations at Wise, expressed that the future of the chancellor position is uncertain. "Since he hasn't officially left the position, there has been little or no consideration as to a replacement," Meade-Dean said.
Lemons is traveling in Pennsylvania and could not be reached for comment.
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