The University of Florida could have a new president, one with an ability to boost science and research programs at the Gainesville campus, by final exams for the fall semester.

The Gainesville Sun reports that Presidential Search Committee member Dianna Morgan said it's possible that a replacement for UF President Bernie Machen could be selected by the time classes end Dec. 5.

"I think it's realistic that we could bring candidates to campus within the next few weeks," Morgan, a longtime Walt Disney World executive, told the Gainesville Sun's editorial board.

At least 19 have applied for the job, but no names were released and, according to the Gainesville Sun, none of the applicants is a major research university president who has been sought by the 23-member search committee for the post.

Don’t expect many of the names released in September from a list of names nominated for the post to be among the finalists.

Among that list was Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park; former University of Florida President John Lombardi; University of North Florida President John Delaney; and former UF football standout and coach Steve Spurrier.

Morgan told the Sun that the applicants include people who have led major research in a university and are looking for “a new environment and maybe a bigger landscape.”

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Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.