An SIU Board of Trustees member is now the representative of public universities for the Illinois Board of Higher Education as a result of structural changes which went into effect Jan. 1.

Molly D’Esposito, from Winnetka, an SIU Board of Trustees member since 1989, will take her place as the public university representative on IBHE immediately following her recent appointment by the governor. The IBHE is a governing board which provides recommendations of budgets for colleges to the governor and recommends policies to Illinois higher education institutions.

Ross A. Hodel, deputy director of IBHE, said D’Esposito will represent the public universities by bringing their point of view to the IBHE.

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Whether it’s the institution’s point of view on tuition, student fees, Amtrak, whatever issue is facing IBHE, she is a board member, Hodel said. She enters into the discussion and votes. She is a full member of the Board of Higher Education.

Hodel said the new higher reorganization law, effective January 1996, requires the governor to appoint one trustee of public universities and one trustee of private universities to IBHE. D’Esposito was chosen as the representative of public universities.

In the past, SIU and other state universities had their own membership on IBHE. At one point, SIU lost IBHE membership. The structure of IBHE now consists of one public university representative. D’Esposito holds that IBHE representation.

SIUC Chancellor John C. Guyon said he believed D’Esposito will do well for SIU and other state public universities.

Molly is very interested in this university, Guyon said. I think she’ll do an outstanding job.

Tom Livingston, assistant to the governor for higher education, said Edgar appointed D’Esposito to the board because of her experience as an SIUC board member.

He (the governor) felt she would take a balanced approach and be fair, Livingston said. Based on her experience as a board member it just made sense. She has shown fairness and stability on a strong educational system.

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Hodel said SIUC not being affected by the restructuring is another reason why D’Esposito was chosen to represent public universities on IBHE.

Dr. Donald Spencer, president of Western Illinois University at Macomb, said D’Esposito will do well for higher education.

We’re delighted she’s been appointed, Spencer said. We trust she’s going to do very well for the whole system. I trust her votes and comments. Molly will represent higher education very well.

D’Esposito was not available for comment.