A Kansas University communication studies professor is a finalist to become the new vice provost for advanced studies and dean of the graduate school at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Diana Carlin was dean of the graduate school and international programs at KU from 2000-07. She has also served as dean-in-residence and director of international outreach at the Council of Graduate Schools in Washington.

She has previously been a finalist for two other prominent university openings, including the presidencies of Pittsburg State University and Evansville University, which is in Indiana.

She is one of four announced finalists for the position at Missouri, and will visit the campus later this month.