ORLANDO, Fla. – Two candidates are being considered finalists in the search for the University of Central Florida’s next leader and university officials want the community’s help in making the final decision. UCF’s Presidential Search Committee met Wednesday morning to conduct interviews for two new applicants and decided to advance Dr. Alexander Cartwright, who currently serves as chancellor of the University of Missouri, according to UCF’s Chad Binette. Cartwright joins Dr. Cato Laurencin, of the University of Connecticut, on the list of finalists being considered for the position. Dr. David Brenner of the University of California, San Diego, was also being considered a finalist but withdrew his candidacy Wednesday, according to UCF officials. “However, Dr. Laurencin and Dr. Cartwright are stellar candidates of exceptional character.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A candidate who was hoping to become the next president of the University of Central Florida has withdrawn his application amid allegations of bullying. Vistasp Karbhari was one of three finalists for the top job at UCF. Karbhari withdrew his name from consideration Monday after a report in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram alleged he consistently belittled fellow employees at his current job as president at the University of Texas at Arlington. Two other UCF finalists are expected in Orlando later his month for public forums and interviews.