The new interim chancellor plans to focus on the university’s budget, which may now resemble that of one when he first began at SIUC. 

William Bradley Colwell, interim chancellor and former professor at SIUC, began his first day in office Thursday.

Colwell said he will focus on the fiscal and enrollment issues affecting the university. 

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Colwell said he plans to keep departments informed about cuts and any action they made need to take as a result. 

“Depending on what this budget is, we may have to do some additional things,” Colwell said, “But we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it … but we’ll be ready for it. We’ll be prepared.”

Colwell said he created a new educational major while dean of education at Bowling Green State University, the only of its kind in Ohio, which now consists of 800 students. He said SIUC could introduce similar unique majors to attract students.

His next few days will consist of meet and greets with student and faculty groups, he said.

Colwell will also be spend time re-adjusting to campus, as he said the university has seen many physical changes in his five-year absence.

He plans to attend campus and athletic events such as this week’s volleyball matches, as well as theater productions and music recitals. 

“That’ll be part of what I think my role will be, is to be a visible leader,” Colwell said. “You name it, we will try to be there and really show the community that we’re truly invested in the good things of SIU.”

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Colwell said he plans to be fully devoted to SIUC.

“[SIUC] has a unique story to tell,” Colwell said. “We can tell that story. We are going to tell that story.”

Cory Ray can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @coryray_DE