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CORVALLIS - The application and nomination deadline for the athletic director position at Oregon State University closed Thursday. The position opened after Mitch Barnhart resigned to accept a similar post at the University of Kentucky.

An 11-member screening committee will now begin the work of narrowing the candidate list down to a "manageable number of finalists," said Larry Roper, OSU's vice provost for student affairs who is chairing the committee. "We don't have a set number in mind."

Roper said the pool of candidates is strong - a reflection of the improvements the OSU athletic department has made over the past several years. He cited the success of a number of men's and women's programs, renewed excitement about the revenue-producing sports, an improving budget situation, and new and improved facilities.

"We have said at the outset that this is one of the more attractive athletic director jobs in the country," Roper said, "and the quality of candidates reflects that."

The screening and interview processes of the search will not be public, Roper said, in order to protect the confidentiality of the applicants.

"We hope to have a new athletic director identified and appointed by the end of August," he said.

Among the qualifications OSU listed in the position description are:

• A broad understanding of Division 1-A athletics;

   

• A record of strong leadership, successful experience in fundraising, proven ability in cultivating new sources of revenue, effective promotions and marketing ability, and supportive relations with the public;

   

• Ability to successfully communicate the mission of the athletic department to the university community, alumni, the public and various business constituencies;

   

• A commitment to the academic success of student-athletes, and to the academic integrity of the program;

   

• Substantial experience and proven ability in areas of communication and administration, and experience with budgets and fiscal management, as well as strong organizational and interpersonal skills.