Ivey CoS Jo Bonner among three finalists for president of the University of South Alabama

Thursday, the University of South Alabama revealed its shortlist of candidates to fill its presidential vacancy.

According to a post on the USA website, Gov. Kay Ivey chief of staff Jo Bonner is named among the finalists for the opening.

“Our search for the next president of South, which yielded significant interest from a broad array of candidates, demonstrates that our University has an outstanding reputation across the nation,” Jimmy Shumock, chair pro tempore of the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees, wrote in an open letter. “The search committee had the difficult task of narrowing an exceptional field of candidates, and on behalf of the entire University of South Alabama community, I thank them for their hard work.”

In addition to Bonner, Dr. Damon Andrew, dean of Florida State University’s College of Education, and Dr. Michael Tidwell, the immediate past president of the University of Texas at Tyler, were named as finalists.

Each of the candidates will participate in an open forum, as follows:

• 11 a.m., Oct. 12, USA Mitchell Center — Mr. Jo Bonner
• 11 a.m., Oct. 15, USA Mitchell Center — Dr. Damon Andrew
• 11 a.m., Oct. 26, USA Mitchell Center — Dr. Michael Tidwell

Shortly after Ivey’s 2019 inauguration, Bonner, also a former member of Congress, assumed the role of chief of staff, replacing former chief Steve Pelham.

@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly, and host of Mobile’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on FM Talk 106.5.