ANN ARBOR—A search advisory committee has been appointed by University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman to identify finalists for the next vice president for communications.

Christopher Kendall, dean of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance and the Paul Boylan Collegiate Professor of Music, will chair the committee, which has been charged with conducting a national search to identify candidates for the position.

Vice President Lisa Rudgers, who has held the position since 2000, stepped down Feb. 1 to establish her own communications consulting practice. She will continue to be involved with various communication efforts at U-M in a consulting role. Julie Peterson, associate vice president for media relations and public affairs, will serve as interim vice president.

Committee members are:

? Kenneth Adams, psychology professor, Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, and professor of psychology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA).

? Nicholas Delbanco, Robert Frost Distinguished University Professor of English Language and Literature and professor of English, Department of English Language and Literature, LSA.

? Charles Eisendrath, associate professor of communication studies, LSA, and director of Knight Wallace Fellows, Rackham Graduate School.

? Michael Harrison, chief public relations and marketing officer, U-M Health System.

? Byron Roberts, director of media and marketing, College of Engineering.

? Lisa Swanson, executive director of donor events, communications and stewardship, University Development.

? Cynthia Wilbanks, vice president for government relations.

The committee welcomes suggestions or nominations for candidates by e-mail to [email protected] or by writing to Lisa Jeffreys, Office of the President, 2048 Fleming Administration Building, Campus Zip 1340. Information also can be faxed to (734) 936-3529.