SPRINGFIELD, MO - Missouri State University has narrowed down its search for a new president to two finalists, and one of them is Murray State President Randy Dunn.
 
Missouri State interim president Clifton Smart is a candidate as well. On-campus interviews are scheduled for Oct. 7-11. The visits will include interviews with the Board of Governors and tours of the Springfield campus and community.
 
Smart was serving as the school's general counsel when he was appointed interim president in June 2011. The appointment came after James Cofer stepped down with slightly less than a year in the job. 
 
Dunn has been serving as president of Murray State since December 2006. Before that, Dunn served as the state superintendent of education for the Illinois State Board of Education.