Rainy River Community College officials decided last week to suspend the search for an academic dean.

In June, RRCC leaders selected two finalists — Scott Britten and Theodore Hanly — for the position. Britten pulled out for another job and Hanly was interviewed by the search committee in late June.

Details about why the search was suspended were not provided.

Sue Collins, president of the Northeast Higher Education District, of which RRCC is a member, did not say whether the search has been suspended indefinitely, but said that the search has been suspended “at this point.”

“Provost (Ken) Simberg and the college community and I will strategize together to determine the next step,” Collins said. “In the meantime, provost Simberg will continue to provide excellent leadership.”

Human resources director Carmen Bradach said the college has never had an academic dean, but has used the provost position to provide shared services.

“That model has been continuing,” Bradach said.