After several months of searching for a new chancellor, Texas A&M System Regents are nearing a decision.

The regents began two days of meetings on Sept. 16. Among other things, discussing the chancellor position was on their agenda.

Regent Erle Nye said the search for a new chancellor has been narrowed down to four candidates.

One of the four candidates is current Interim Chancellor Benton Cocanougher, who would not comment about being considered for the job.

Nye refused to give the identity of the other three candidates, saying some of them don't want their names known.

"It would disrupt people’s lives to be considered for something knowing only one of four is likely to prevail, and so it's simply not the practical way to treat people," said Nye.

Immediately following the first board meeting, regents chose to meet in executive session to possibly talk about the chancellor spot.

Nye said all four candidates have at one time or another interacted with regents on the board and have substantial qualifications.

The next step for the board is to announce either one finalist or a couple of finalists.

Regent Erle Nye said each of the four candidates is first rate and the regents would be proud to have any of them.

The regents made no public announcement after the meetings on Sept. 16.