Southern Illinois University's leadership saw a changing of the guard Thursday, as trustees reorganized their structure for the coming year.Trustee John Simmons is the new chair of the Board, winning election over former chairman Roger Herrin. The decision was split four-to-two, with Herrin abstaining. The process was split, with Roger Herrin, Don Lowery and Donna Manering voting no on nearly every nomination. Long-time Trustee Ed Hightower says there has been some friction on the board, and it was time for a change in leadership. Hightower says the board makes policy and hires quality individuals to run the day-to-day. Hightower says when Trustees get involved in the day-to-day it causes problems that should not be encountered. Hightower wouldn't elaborate further on the problems he and others saw, but said it was important to make the leadership change and move forward. Hightower was elected vice-chairman, with Mark Hinrichs elected Secretary.
The board next meets in May at Edwardsville, where they will likely take action on tuition and fee increases for next academic year.
