Saint Louis University could soon lose a high-level administrator to Northwest Missouri State University.

Vice President for Student Development Kent Porterfield is currently in the running to become president at NMSU this fall.

Porterfield has a history at NMSU, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the institution and coming back as a staffer and then administrator.

He began work as NMSU’s Student Union director in 1990 before becoming the vice president for Student Affairs in 1997. In 2006, he left NMSU to take his current position at SLU.

He first found out he was one of the candidates for NMSU president about two months ago.

“It’s one of those things that I wasn’t expecting and wasn’t looking for,” Porterfield said. “I’ve been very clear from day one that I’m not looking at the opportunity because I’m unhappy with SLU.”

Once he found out, he said he talked the offer over with SLU President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., whom he said was very supportive of the idea.

At the moment, with his regular duties as vice president of student development and interviewing for the position at NMSU, Porterfield describes himself as “living between two worlds.”

“I feel really privileged to be at SLU, and if that’s where I’m at when this process is over, I’m going to feel really good about that,” he said.

“I really feel like I’m in a win-win situation.”

NMSU is currently looking at four finalists for president. After touring the campus in Maryville, Mo., Porterfield answered questions from NMSU faculty during a town hall-style meeting on Tuesday. The questions addressed everything from his view on the faculty senate to keeping the edge on student recruitment and enrollment to making the university more environmentally friendly and encouraging learning communities on campus.

He said one strong quality that he could bring to the table is the fact that he knows the state of Missouri quite well from having worked in universities on both the western and eastern edge.

In addition, he described his diverse knowledge of the inner workings of both public and private schools as an important quality as well.

Dean of Students Scott Smith didn’t need to be convinced of Porterfield’s strengths.

“I think Dr. Porterfield is one of the best and brightest individuals in higher education,” he said. “I would hate to see him leave. However, I understand that few of us are asked to assume a presidency . much less the presidency of their alma mater.”

Student Government Association President Sam Howard said she had heard about Porterfield’s possible appointment from The University News‘ website on Monday, and described her reaction as “bittersweet.”

“I’m excited for him and his family,” she said. “We’ll obviously miss him . It’ll be difficult to fill his shoes.”

Howard said he has “built a strong enough team” to withstand his absence until a replacement is found should he get the position.

The winning candidate will be announced in coming weeks, but Porterfield said he was thankful regardless of the outcome.

“If I didn’t pursue it, I’d always wonder if I should have,” he said. “The opportunity to interview for president at your alma mater is a pretty special opportunity.”

Attempts to reach Biondi’s office about plans for covering Porterfield’s duties next year should he get the position were unsuccessful as of press time.

Additional reporting by Adam Tamburin and Kelley Dunn.