After four rounds of open forums, another step has been taken in filling the role of vice president for Student Affairs.

Provost Kumble Subbaswamy said in an e-mail to the Kernel that he has invited Robert Mock Jr. back to campus to discuss negotiations for the job.

Although nothing is finalized, Subbaswamy said in a separate e-mail that Mock has the “background, energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead Student Affairs at this challenging time.”

Mock serves as the associate vice provost of Student Affairs at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and was the final candidate to appear in the open forums. The only candidate to hail from a fellow Southeastern Conference school, Mock said at the forum he felt he would be a “good fit” at UK.

Some key factors Mock highlighted in his campus appearance were his experience of dealing with a tobacco ban, his involvement with the Greek community and his stance on alcohol use in correlation to a successful athletic season.

Subbaswamy said an offer has not been officially extended but this is a meeting to discuss the job further.

“I am glad Dr. Mock remains interested in the position of vice president of Student Affairs at the University of Kentucky,” Subbaswamy said. “Although an offer has not been extended at this time, I have invited Dr. Mock for a second visit to campus to conduct further discussions about the position. An announcement will be forthcoming when negotiations are finalized.”