COEUR d'ALENE — North Idaho College officials are in the midst of a nationwide search to select college President Joe Dunlap's successor.

Dunlap, who has served as NIC's president for four years, announced his retirement in December. School officials have created a selection committee to process applications from around the country and, according to NIC communications coordinator Tom Greene, will be interviewing candidates next week.

Finalists for the position, he added, could be announced as early as the week of April 18.

Dunlap, the college's ninth president, will continue to work at NIC through June 30. He began his tenure as president on July 1, 2012, replacing Priscilla Bell. Prior to taking the position at NIC, Dunlap served as president of Spokane Community College for four years.

In a previous article, Dunlap told The Press the decision to retire was based solely on his desire to spend time with his growing family.

"I love community colleges and in particular NIC," he said in the article. "It's been a fantastic experience. But it's time. The college will continue to be a positive beacon for the community and place of opportunity for its students, staff and faculty."