University of Idaho President M. Duane Nellis did not apply for the top job at Texas Tech University — he was recruited, a search consultant says.

“He was not an applicant, just to make that clear,” said Bob Lawless, a search consultant with the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges. “In all fairness to Dr. Nellis, he was not at all looking for another job. He was identified by people across the country.”

Texas Tech and the U of I announced Friday that Nellis is the sole finalist for the presidency of the 30,000-student university in Lubbock.

Former Texas Tech President Guy Bailey resigned in August, and a national search began shortly after. Lawless said that involved advertising the position through various outlets and contacting educators and experts for advice on suitable candidates. A base of 80 candidates was whittled to three with the board of regents and Kent Hance, university chancellor, ultimately deciding on Nellis, who had agreed to an interview before the decision.

“He didn’t bite at the first opportunity,” Lawless told the Moscow-Pullman Daily News. “He had to be recruited almost as much as a top athlete.”

Nellis will remain with the U of I until June, said Marilyn Whitney, spokeswoman for the Idaho State Board of Educaition.