December 13, 2018

John M. Dunn appointed interim SIU Carbondale chancellor

john-dunn-sm-jpgCARBONDALE, Ill. – The SIU Board of Trustees today (Dec. 13) appointed John M. Dunn as interim chancellor of SIU Carbondale effective Jan. 1.

Dunn’s appointment was recommended by Interim System President J. Kevin Dorsey. Dr. Dorsey has been serving as acting chancellor since the death of Chancellor Carlo Montemagno in October.

Dunn’s appointment will end Dec. 31, 2020, or upon the start of a new chancellor, whichever is sooner.

“Dr. Dunn will bring to his interim role significant higher education leadership experience as well as knowledge of SIU. I am grateful that he has accepted the opportunity to lead our continued progress as we enter our 150th year,” Dorsey said.          


Media Availability – John M. Dunn

John M. Dunn, who becomes interim chancellor of SIU Carbondale on Jan. 1, 2019, will be available to talk with reporters during a conference call at 10:30 a.m. CST, Friday, Dec. 14. Please email Rae Goldsmith for call-in information.              


Dunn served the university as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs from 2002 to 2006 and as interim chancellor in 2006-2007. He went on to a successful presidency at Western Michigan University, retiring last year. 

A native of Pinckneyville, Dr. Dunn’s academic career started as a faculty member at the University of Connecticut. He served as chair of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science, assistant dean of the College of Health and Human Performance and associate provost at Oregon State University and as dean of the University of Utah’s College of Health before coming to SIU. 

Dr. Dunn’s academic work focuses on the long-term health of individuals with disabilities. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in special education from Northern Illinois University and a doctoral degree in physical education from Brigham Young University.