December 13, 2018
Trustees appoint interim chancellor, approve academic reorganization
The SIU Board of Trustees, meeting today (Dec. 13), approved the appointment of John M. Dunn as interim chancellor of SIU Carbondale effective Jan. 1.
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.
His appointment, recommended to the board by Interim System President J. Kevin Dorsey, will end Dec. 31, 2020, or upon the start of a new chancellor, whichever is sooner.
In other business, trustees approved a resolution affirming the board’s commitment to academic reorganization, affirming that the reorganization falls under the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s reasonable and moderate extension (RME) process, and authorizing the president to move forward with reorganization following established policies and procedures.
In addition, trustees approved the Jan. 1 appointment of Rae Goldsmith as interim vice chancellor for development and alumni relations following the resignation of Jim Salmo, who accepted another position.
Prior to coming to SIU to oversee communications and marketing in 2013, Goldsmith served as vice president of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, an international professional association for fundraising, alumni relations, communications, marketing and advancement services for educational institutions.
Trustees also approved honorary degrees for international education leader Thanu Kulachol, actress and comedian Melissa McCarthy, and Civil Rights leader Charles Neblett. Jim and Vicki Blair, long-time supporters of the university, and Richard Blaudow, president and co-founder of Advanced Technology Services Inc., were approved as recipients for distinguished service awards.
At the end of the meeting, trustees passed a resolution honoring late Chancellor Carlo Montemagno that was presented to his wife, Pam.
During a special board meeting on Wednesday, Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Meera Komarraju gave presentations on academic reorganization and enrollment planning. Judy Marshall, vice chancellor for administration and finance, advised trustees that the university would not be seeking increases in tuition or fees for next year.