A committee of four MU administrators began reviewing applications June 30 for the Honors College Director position.

Former Director Stuart Palonsky announced in September he would resign from his post at the end of the 2010-11 academic year.

During his 20-year tenure, Palonsky taught the humanities sequence, introduced the social science and science for non-science majors sequences, supported the creation of the Honors Organic Chemistry course and implemented the Discovery Fellows program.

“Meeting all of the bright students who come to MU has been just a joy,” Palonsky said.

Palonsky will take a leave of absence, during which he will travel and complete another edition of his textbook, “Critical Issues in Education: Dialogues and Dialectics.” He will return to MU in 2012 to teach in the College of Education and hopes to remain involved with the honors humanities sequence.

“Dr. Palonsky has done a phenomenal job,” Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies Jim Spain said. “He was a great advocate in helping students and parents understand what MU has to offer.”

Though he said he is sorry to see Palonsky leave, Spain remained hopeful for the future of the position.

“I’m disappointed to have him step down, but I understand that he is prepared to allow someone else to come in and build from the foundation he has helped develop,” Spain said.

After Spain distributed information to the university’s deans and department chairs, existing faculty members submitted applications online through Human Resource Services. Committee members will review these applications individually through the same website and compare each applicant’s credentials to requirements outlined in the job description.

All contenders must hold a doctorate degree. Experience with both the Honors College and several MU departments is favored, although not required.

“We’ll carefully consider the applicants — their experience, expertise and level of success up to this point,” Spain said.

Because academic advising plays a large role in the Honors College, Spain emphasized the importance of interpersonal experience — whether advising an undergraduate research project or sponsoring a student organization. Palonsky seconded Spain’s statement, suggesting that the ability to aid and support gifted undergraduate students is among the most important qualities for the director to possess.

Following the initial review, five candidates will meet with Spain and a committee to discuss expectations and share insights regarding the position.

Enrollment Management Director Emeritus Gary Smith; professor emeritus John McCormick; Brian Brooks, associate dean for undergraduate studies at the journalism school and Access Programs Director DeAngela Burns-Wallace make up the committee. The council will make its recommendation to the provost before the Honors College appoints its new director.

The job comes with a contract for up to three years, allowing for the candidate’s flexibility. MU then plans to conduct a national search for a long-term director who will start in the fall of 2014.

Although no concrete deadline for employment has been set, the position will be filled by the beginning of the fall semester.

Palonsky advises the incoming director to talk to as many students as possible and to enjoy the position.

“It’s a great job, and I really have enjoyed it,” he said. “I know my successor will enjoy it as much as I did.”