John Dunn is on his way out of SIUC.

The 61-year-old administrator, who has served as interim chancellor since November, was named the eighth president of Western Michigan University Friday.

He is set to take over the 25,000-student university July 1. WMU is Michigan’s fourth largest higher education institution.

Dunn called his time at SIUC “a very positive and memorable experience” for his wife and him.

“Linda and I have enjoyed being part of SIUC and the community,” said Dunn, who has worked in higher education for more than 30 years. “I treasure the relationships I have forged at SIUC, relationships that can only come from working and interacting with top-quality people.”

Dunn became provost at SIUC in 2002 and stepped into the interim chancellor post after the demotion of former leader Walter Wendler in November.

The search continues for the university’s next full-time chancellor. One finalist has visited campus and three others are set to come in the next two weeks.

SIU President Glenn Poshard plans to announce his pick for chancellor in May. He will present his recommendation to the SIU Board of Trustees at its June 14 meeting.

Dunn was not a candidate for SIUC’s chancellorship.