Provost Robert Frank might be headed to warmer weather next school year.

The University of New Mexico chose Frank as one of the finalists in its search to replace current President David Schmidly, who will step down in June.

New Mexico’s Board of Regents makes its final decision Jan. 5, said university spokeswoman Cinnamon Blair.

Frank and four other candidates will visit the New Mexico campus during the next two weeks for interviews. Blair said Frank visits the university Dec. 12.

Similar to Kent State, New Mexico is a public university with about 30,000 students. Blair said it is the only school in the state of New Mexico teaching medicinal studies, law and architecture.

Frank said he plans to step down from his position as Kent State’s provost at the end of spring semester. He said his main goal is to get a job as a president at another university.

“I feel I’m well-prepared for a presidential position,” Frank said. “Moving out of the provost position is something I’ve looked at and considered.”

Contact Megan Wilkinson at [email protected].