The search for the new dean of SAIS to replace Paul Wolfowitz, who left the school in February to become President Bush's deputy secretary of defense, is well under way.

During the past several months, the search committee, chaired by university provost Steven Knapp, has reviewed a large number of applications and nominations for the position. Committee members have narrowed the field of candidates and expect to complete an initial round of interviews by the end of the fall semester.

"Among the large number of persons who have been nominated or have applied, the committee is very pleased with the credentials of the candidates it has chosen to interview," Knapp said. "The SAIS deanship is an important and exciting job and is clearly attracting a lot of interest from distinguished candidates."

Knapp added that the committee anticipates inviting a small group of finalists to make campus visits in early 2002, followed by recommendations to JHU President William Brody and an appointment of the new dean in the spring.