The university’s search advisory committee has screened applications and identified semifinalists who will be interviewed later this month, according to a committee statement given Wednesday.

School officials say they expect a group of finalists to be announced in the next several weeks, with the final selection expected to come about April 20.

“Everything seems to be right on schedule,” said Scott Faust, director of communications at BSU. “I think it’s clear there’s been a great deal of interest in the position.”

The committee did not specify the number of candidates or identify them by name, but did say more information will be shared following this first round of interviews.

Finalists will visit campus March 21, 22 and 23 for tours and interview sessions with campus community.

Connie Gores, president of Southwest Minnesota State University, has chaired the committee consisting of administrators, faculty, staff and students from the school — as well as local leaders. They will recommend a list of finalists to Steven Rosenstone, chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, who will make a final recommendation to the Board of Trustees.

The new president will oversee both BSU and Northwest Technical College, which share administrators and some services. President Richard Hanson has held the office since June 2010, and in August announced he will be retiring June of this year.