WBRZ - Baton Rouge

Four candidates have applied so far to be Louisiana's new higher education commissioner.

Among those who already have applied for the job are:

• David J. Dzielak, an associate vice chancellor and professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center;

• Donald A. Edwards, former vice chancellor for operations and planning at the Alabama Community College System;
  

• Judith James, a former consultant to the U.S. Department of Education and Ohio Board of Regents;
  

• Robert Jennings, former president of Alabama A&M University.

More candidates are expected. The Regents hope to have a new commissioner chosen by December.

The Board of Regents must still decide on a salary range for the job.

The board hopes to choose a national firm by the middle of September to conduct the search.