The NMSU chancellor search committee announced Tuesday that they have narrowed their candidate pool for the new chancellor, and will officially announce five candidates during the week of April 11.

NMSU has been working with Wheless Partners, an executive search and leadership consulting firm, to find the university’s next chancellor. As of Tuesday, the committee has a minimum of five finalists for the top university position.

The search committee along with Board of Regents chair, Debra Hicks, released scarce further details.

The current chancellor, Garrey Carruthers, plans to retire from his position on July 1, 2018  at the end of his contract period, according to the NMSU news center. Carruthers was hired in 2013 and earns $373,450 per year.

The committee, composed of 19 members, spent the last two days “vetting” candidates in a preliminary interview process.

Many members of the committee were impressed with the candidates and said picking one will be a difficult task.

Kevin Prieto, ASNMSU President, said the process is running smoothly and efficiently. Prieto said he’s looking for a candidate who will “propel this university forward.”

Similarly, Hicks hopes to find someone who shares NMSU’s vision. “They need to have an inherent obligation to educate,” Hicks said.

As far as timeline goes, the committee said they are on track and the new chancellor is set to begin their contract July 1. Hicks stated that salary will be discussed with candidates before addressing media on the topic.

Largely, the committee expressed their contentment with the timeline, stating there was adequate time to find individuals who will be suited to meet the needs of the university.

The five candidates will tour campus on April 24.