DWU’s Duffett is finalist for presidency at Pa. university

• Robert Duffett

Robert Duffett

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Dakota Wesleyan University President Bob Duffett is a finalist for the presidency at another university.

Eastern University, a Christian private university located in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pa., announced in October that Duffett was one of three finalists for their presidential vacancy at the school.

It’s the second time this year that he has been considered for another college leadership position. Duffett, 58, has been DWU’s president since June 2000. He visited the cam- pus in St. Davids, Pa., in late October.

Duffett said was contacted last spring by the university as a possible candidate for the position and did not apply for it.

Earlier this year, in March, Duffett was also announced as one of three finalists for the presidency at the University of Indianapolis, but withdrew his name from consideration in April.

“The fact of the matter is both of those schools came after me, and I really like my work here at DWU, and what we are doing at this school,” Duffett said.

He said he has not decided if he would accept the job if it were offered to him.

Eastern University has about 4,000 undergraduate students enrolled compared to DWU’s approximately 750. It was founded in 1925 and is affiliated with American Baptist Churches and competes in NCAA Division III athletics.

Duffett said his contract allows him to leave DWU if another opportunity arises. But he said it is too early to talk about timelines if he accepted the job, or if would remain at DWU through the end of this school year if he takes it.

“It hasn’t been offered and I haven’t accepted it,” Duffett said. “It is just way too early for that.”

According to Eastern University’s website, the committee is in the selection part of the process which includes campus interviews, selection and signing of contract and transition considerations. The public announcement of the school’s selection for the post is expected soon.

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