Baker University is searching for a new executive vice president for academic affairs and dean of its College of Arts and Sciences.

A search committee has been formed to identify candidates for the position. It will meet again in late January, when it will select semi-finalists for the position. The committee will conduct confidential interviews with semi-finalists before inviting finalists to visit the Baldwin City campus in mid-February.

A university spokesman said the position is a newly created one combining the role of the chief academic officer and the dean of arts and sciences. The person who fills the role will be key to promoting and implementing long-term, innovative initiatives to enhance Baker’s reputation and growth potential, the spokesman said.