"I received a call from the governor's chief of staff Lon Monk on Wednesday, Jan. 14, and he asked me if I would consider a possible appointment," said Poshard, who retired from SIUC in July. "Then I spoke with the governor two days later on Friday morning. He was very gracious and asked me if I would take the position. I agreed."

Poshard will be the first three-degree graduate of SIUC to serve on the Board and says he appreciates the opportunity to continue to help the University system move forward. Poshard, a respected Democrat, will fill a vacancy created by Mark Repking's resignation in 2003. Poshard's term expires in 2005.