The Arkansas Lottery Commission got a little closer, with emphasis on little, to naming an executive director.

The newly-formed commission met in Little Rock, and commssion chief Ray Thornton told members that the list of applicants for the position currently stands at 55.

That number does not include previous applicant Tom Courtway, interim president at the University of Central Arkansas, who has withdrawn his name from consideration.

The commission opted not to rely on a hiring committee to make a recommendation, but decided that commissioners will be allowed to recommend no less than six and no more than 10 applicants for the job.

The commission adjourned without setting a date for its next meeting. At its previous meeting, the commission toured property on West Third Street in downtown Little Rock to potentially serve as its headquarters, but has taken no action.

Lottery officials hope to have games up and running by the end of the year. Lottery proceeds will fund college scholarships.