Several months ago the Office of International Affairs began a search for a new director, which ended Monday when Provost Robert Frank announced Mary Anne P. Saunders was succeeding Ken Cushner, who left the post in May.

Vice Provost Steve Michael said he was looking for a candidate with an extensive background and an entrepreneurial understanding of international affairs.

“I was looking for someone who has passion,” Michael said, adding that he wanted someone who had worked as a dean or associate dean before.

There was a long application process. After the search committee and chair had been named and ads placed, the committee collected applications and reviewed them.

The committee brought in two candidates, one from Washington, D.C., and another from the south, Michael said.

From there, the candidates had a series of interviews with deans, the provost, vice provost and the search committee. It then met to decide who would get the job.

Michael said he is looking forward to bringing Kent State to the “forefront of globalization.”

He said he wants to double the number of international students by 2010, expand the study abroad programs and increase recruitment. He also wants to make sure the Florence and Geneva study abroad programs are cost efficient, he said.

“I need somebody who is an experienced director,” he said. “Hiring Dr. Saunders is a step in the right direction.”

Contact International Affairs reporter Leila Archer at [email protected].