Coastal Carolina University's Board of Trustees has called a special meeting on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 9 a.m. to determine the next course of action in the search for the university's next president.

Maurice Scherrens, senior vice president of George Mason University, who was offered the position, declined for personal reasons last week. Kyle Carter, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, N.C., withdrew his name for consideration on Friday.

A written offer was presented to Scherrens Tuesday afternoon following meetings of the S.C. Budget and Control Board and the Coastal Educational Foundation, in which the final elements of the salary package were approved.

"We regret that Dr. Scherrens has decided to decline the presidency of Coastal Carolina University," said Hodge. "As we renew the search process, the board of trustees is committed to the task of finding the right individual to lead Coastal in the coming years."

Scherrens stated, "I have been totally impressed with everything associated with CCU and the surrounding region. . . . The environment of unified support speaks volumes for the leadership of President Ron Ingle."

Remaining candidates are Dave DeCenzo, CCU's provost and senior vice president of academic administration; Eddie Dyer, university counsel and vice president of university relations, and Sue DeWine, provost at Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio.

The search process began in early 2006 to identify a successor for Ronald R. Ingle, who will retire June 30, 2007, following a nearly 14-year tenure as president. A 12-person advisory committee began work in May to review applications for the position. The board of trustees considered five finalists prior to offering the position to Scherrens.