<p>It's typical for college presidents to claim allegiance to their current university. Otherwise people may treat them like they are on the way out and question their commitment, which is problematic if they aren't offered another job and end up sticking around. I wouldn't put too much stock in denials of interest. On the other hand, this isn't exactly a "short list" and who knows how many of these people were/would be considered seriously.</p>
<p>This is a wish-list, not a short-list. The amount of work and psychic energy involved in the recruitment dance is huge, and will be spent on only 3-4 serious candidates.</p>
<p>^ ^ ^ That's why I think this is just to throw us off... there's no way this is a list of actual people they're seriously considering at this point.</p>