PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — Chancellor Dennis J. Shields is a finalist in the Chicago State University’s search for a new president. Shields made the announcement at the Sept. 8 Faculty Senate meeting.

At meeting, Shields said that he had been approached a number of times over the years by headhunters who wanted him to apply for various positions, but his intention has been to stay at Platteville long-term. He said his concerns about higher education in Wisconsin prompted him to look into other opportunities.

Shields also promised that he would remain “fully engaged” at Platteville, even if he is offered the CSU position. He said CSU wanted him to commit to a Jan. 1 start date, but he told the Senate that Jan. 1 is “off the table.” There is a “heavy lift” coming this fall and spring semesters, and he is fully committed to seeing UW-Platteville through the current budget issues and the Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation process.

Shields said June 1 is the earliest date he would begin at CSU, if he is offered the position.

According to the Chicago State University website, Shields is scheduled to visit the campus on Sept. 14. The other two finalists are Jerry D. Blakemore, vice president and general counsel at Northern Illinois University, and Thomas J. Calhoun Jr., vice president of enrollment management at the University of North Alabama.

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