Members of the search committee tasked with finding a new Kansas University chancellor have identified a set of attributes they’d like to have in a new leader.

The committee approved the document during a brief meeting on Thursday during a conference call.

“The job now upon us is to identify the very best candidates that we think we can pursue, and convince them to come to KU,” said Drue Jennings, chairman of the search committee.

The position has already attracted a level of interest, with the committee itself submitting about 20 nominations, said Bill Funk, an outside consultant helping with the search.

Funk said he has also heard from sitting presidents and provosts of universities belonging to the Association of American Universities who are interested in the position.

He said he is optimistic the committee will find and recruit high-quality candidates for the position.

According to the document approved Thursday, the search committee will be looking for several different attributes in a new chancellor, including “strong moral character and unfailing personal and professional integrity.”

Though no specific level of academic education is spelled out, the document does mention “accomplishments that demonstrate intellectual distinction.”

Specific mention is also given to an understanding of or an appreciation for technology, athletics, economic development, an international perspective and fundraising.

All told, the document lists 12 different bulleted items each detailing different requirements for a prospective candidate.

The document will be forwarded to the Kansas Board of Regents, which intends to meet in special session in the coming days to approve the document.

The committee is looking to hire KU’s 17th chancellor following the announcement that Chancellor Robert Hemenway would retire at the end of the academic year.