Quinn Appoints Two New U of I Trustees, Lets Two Others Stay

Governor Pat Quinn has started making fresh appointments to the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

That's after most members resigned in the wake of an admissions scandal.

Quinn says he wants to replace the seven trustees who've resigned in the next week and a-half.

On Wednesday, he announced two new appointments: those of Merchandise Mart CEO Chris Kennedy, and Lawrence Oliver, an attorney for the Boeing Company.

Quinn says the board's first item of business will be dealing with U of I President B. Joseph White and Urbana Campus Chancellor Richard Herman, who were key players in the scandal.

"I think they have a lot of explainin' to do", says Quinn. "But I don't want to prejudge things until the full board that I appoint has an opportunity to review this report, listen to the various individuals involved, and come to a reasoned decision."

The report issued by a state panel recommended all nine trustees step down.

Two trustees, Frances Carroll and James Montgomery, have refused... But Quinn says he's allowing them to stay on to avoid a protracted legal fight.

"You can be as legalistic as you want," explained the governor. "I do not think that having a legal battle with two trustees who refuse to resign is the central focus of our work."

Quinn says that would be a "sideshow" that could detract from the U of I's fundraising and faculty recruiting.

Trustee Montgomery congratulated Quinn for not firing him. But Quinn was criticized by others for his handling of the situation.

Illinois Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno said the situation was still unresolved because some trustees were staying on.

Quinn's Democratic primary challenger, Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes, accused the governor of failing to lead.

The governor says, in the next week or so, he plans to finish appointing replacements for trustees who've already offered to step down.

--- Additional reporting from The Associated Press