Fort Valley State University has named a 14- member search committee to assist in the selection of its next head football coach. A decision could be announced before Christmas. The panel is comprised of a retired FVSU coach, Georgia officials, former Wildcat football players, FVSU athletic supporters, Middle Georgia entrepreneurs and faculty and student representatives.

"We have the utmost confidence that this diverse search committee will assist FVSU in selecting the best candidate to lead our football program in a new direction while instilling discipline and stressing the importance of being a student-athlete," said Dr. Terrance Smith, FVSU vice president of student affairs and enrollment management.

The deadline to submit applications for the position was Nov. 25. So far, 40 candidates will be considered from as many as ten states including New Mexico, Georgia, the Carolinas, Texas, Maryland and Delaware. The committee will review packages, identify three top candidates and interview finalists by mid December. The panel's recommendation will be sent to FVSU President Larry E. Rivers for a decision.

"At our first meeting, President Rivers specified a set of guidelines for the selection committee to consider.