Michael M. Crow, executive vice provost of Columbia University, New York, notified the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, Presidential Search and Screen Advisory Committee of his decision Jan. 16. Crow indicated he would have difficulty meeting the timetable for selection of the new president.

"We are disappointed that Michael Crow has withdrawn his candidacy. We were looking forward to hearing his ideas about Iowa State and the position of president," said Benjamin Allen, committee chairperson and dean of Iowa State's College of Business.

Two finalists have completed their campus visits. They are: Sharon Stephens Brehm, provost of Ohio University, Athens; and Cora Bagley Marrett, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Two other finalists, James L. Melsa, dean of Iowa State's College of Engineering, and Gregory L. Geoffroy, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Maryland, College Park, are scheduled for campus visits today and Friday, respectively. Board of Regents President Owen Newlin says the Regents would like to select the new president by Feb. 1.

Iowa State's next president succeeds Martin Jischke, who became president of Purdue University in August 2000. Distinguished professor of chemical engineering Richard Seagrave is serving as interim president.