The last finalist for the presidency of North Georgia College & State University visited Dahlonega Monday to interview with campus members and the selection committee.

Kate Maine, campus spokeswoman and a member of the selection team, said the candidates' campus visits included one-on-one meetings as well as sessions with students and community members.

"A university is a very broad-based community representing lots of different types and groups of people," she said. "So it's important for them to have some participation in the process and for the search committee to get their feedback about the candidates."

The selection committee will review feedback from the campus visits and after an April 12 meeting will recommend the final candidates to the college's Board of Regents. Maine said she expects three finalists.

A decision by the Board of Regents is expected by the end of the month, Maine said.

Current President David Potter announced in September his plans to step down at the end of the school year. Potter has held the position since January 2005.

Elizabeth Combier, chairwoman of the selection committee, said many on campus are looking to Potter's leadership for characteristics they want in the next president.

"Faculty and staff in particular wanted someone with whom they can relate on a personal level because Dr. Potter has been uniquely gifted in someone who listens and who communicates extremely well," she said. "We've been kind of spoiled and we'd like to continue that relationships with the next president."

Initial focus groups with campus and community members also indicated that financial expertise and an ability to build the college's international focus were desired qualities, Maine said.

"As we move forward we were seeking a leader who would be comfortable and experienced in developing resources from external entities, funding resources to supplement existing programs and state funding," she said.

The five finalists are:

• Gregory Chan, provost at St. Thomas University in Florida. He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Seattle University and a master's degree from Portland State University.
• Tim Hudson, special assistant to the chancellor for international programs and initiatives with the University of Houston System. He holds a doctorate in geography from Clark University and a master's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
• Bonita Jacobs, executive director of the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students at the University of North Texas. She holds a doctorate in educational administration from Texas A&M University and a master's degree from Stephen F. Austin State University.
• Gerry St. Amand, vice president for advancement at Northern Kentucky University, who holds a law degree from Boston College.
• Ray Wallace, provost and senior vice chancellor at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, who holds a doctorate in English from Illinois State University and a master's degree from Eastern Illinois University.

A sixth candidate, Claude Lilly, was selected but withdrew from consideration, citing personal reasons.