Bloomington, Ill. (AP) -- Officials of Illinois State University have narrowed the list of candidates for the school's next president.

 

The university's board of trustees and search committee are looking for a replacement for ISU President Al Bowman. He said late last year he was retiring because of a health issue. He was named ISU president in 2004.

 

In a statement Thursday, university officials say interviews will be held next week in suburban Chicago. They did not release how many candidates are under consideration or give their names.

 

Officials say the "outstanding candidates" come from an international pool of applicants.

 

The interviews will be held in executive sessions. Finalists will be brought to campus in coming months.