Iowa State University President Finalist Subbaswamy Holds Forum Today

One of two for the University presidency will be available in a forum on campus at 3:45 p.m. today.

Kumble Subbaswamy, provost of the University of Kentucky, Lexington, arrived on campus Wednesday and will take questions after a brief presentation at 2019 Morrill Hall.

Subbaswamy, who goes by the name "Swamy" on the UK campus, has led an academic life.

He completed both his undergraduate and masters degrees in India before coming to the United States to study physics at Indiana University, his biography said.

He completed a fellowship in California and then joined the University of Kentucky's physic's faculty in 1978, where he remained for 18 years before taking higher academic positions. He's served as the dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of Miami and then became the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University, where he was known for pursuing research grants. He returned to Kentucky as a provost in 2006 where he currently oversees the university's research activities.

Watch a video of him talking about changes to the University of Kentucky's curriculum here.

Steven Leath, vice president for research and sponsored programs for the University of North Carolina system, Chapel Hill, is the second finalist. Leath will participate in a public forum on Friday at the same time and place.

Subbaswamy and Leath are vying to replace current ISU president Gregory Geoffroy, who announced he is stepping down no later than July 31, 2012.