(AP) — A University of Nebraska Board of Regents committee is studying the qualifications of 11 search firms interested in finding a replacement for President J.B. Milliken, who is leaving for a new job.

University officials mailed letters to 13 executive search firms across the country on Jan. 28.

NU spokeswoman Melissa Lee says 11 responded by the Wednesday deadline.

The Board of Regents is not required to complete a competitive bidding process to hire a search firm, so the board’s executive committee will narrow the 11 to a short list of firms to be interviewed by the board.

When the firms are narrowed to four, their identities will become public record.

NU hopes to have a firm hired by the end of the month.