The search for a new dean of the College of Business Administration at California State University, Sacramento, should gain momentum in the coming weeks as a selection committee begins formal review of candidate applications.

University spokesman Frank Whitlatch declined to say how many applications have been submitted in the months since the university began advertising to replace the former dean, Felicenne H. Ramey, who announced her retirement last July.

But he said the committee, comprising five faculty members, a CSU staff member, an administrator and a community member, should begin the review shortly after classes resume on Jan. 26.

The committee members, whom Whitlatch would not identify by name, are expected to narrow the number of applicants, hold interviews in February, and make subsequent recommendations to CSUS President Alexander González and to Ric Brown, vice president of academic affairs.

A selection could come as early as March, said Whitlatch. Since Ramey's retirement, Richard Guarino has led the department as associate dean in charge.

Guarino, who was unavailable for comment, was reported to be a candidate for the permanent post. He was an associate dean at the college for more than three years before being named to his current position.

Guarino joined the faculty in 1979 as a professor of business law and business ethics.

He holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles; a law degree from the University of California at Davis; and a master's of business administration from Golden Gate University.