ROCK HILL — Winthrop University’s search for its next leader is inching closer to an end.

The university will announce three finalists competing to succeed retiring President Anthony DiGiorgio at 10 a.m. Friday during a meeting on the campus.

The 10-member search committee tasked with vetting candidates started its work last spring after DiGiorgio announced that he’ll retire after 24 years as Winthrop’s president.

The applicant pool is currently down to 12 people who have interviewed twice with the search group.

Winthrop received hundreds of applications for the presidential position from Greenwood-Asher, a national higher education search firm.

DiGiorgio is the longest-serving president of any public university in South Carolina. His successor will be Winthrop’s 10th president, transitioning into the role after June.

DiGiorgio is expected to become president emeritus and distinguished professor of public service when he steps down

The university will host the finalists for DiGiorgio’s position over the next two weeks to give Winthrop students and employees and the public a chance to meet them.

Campus visits for finalists are scheduled to begin Sunday. The Herald will list times and locations of the opportunities to meet the finalists when those details are announced.

Anna Douglas 803-329-4068