A second candidate for SIU Carbondale's top job says he has big goals for the university. Austin Lane made his public presentation Tuesday, saying he sees lots of opportunities for growth in student success and other areas.
Lane, who until February was President of Texas Southern University, says he has experience in boosting enrollment, bolstering morale, and developing strategic plans and initiatives. He says he already has ideas for SIUC.
"We will be the leading producer of highly qualified graduates in various disciplines that help fuel the local, regional, state, and national economy. Meera (Komarraju) and Gary (Kinsel) - don't jump on me, but we will become the state's third public university with the designation of 'very high research activity.'"
Lane didn't address his ouster at TSU. Trustees there fired him over allegations of fraud and mismanagement - particularly in the university's law school. In published reports, Lane says he was not made aware of the problems and didn't get the chance to address them.
There is one more candidate set to interview for the chancellor post - Kenneth Evans will make his presentation on Thursday.
You can find more information and recorded interviews at chancellor.siu.edu/search.
