U of I trustees who resigned push to get jobs back
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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Even in their resignation letters, some University of Illinois trustees said they hope Gov. Pat Quinn reappoints them when the tumult dies down from the scandal over the influence of political connections on school admissions.
At least one, David Dorris, has the support of high-profile Illinois sports figures who appear to be using their status to lobby for his reappointment. The governor asked for all nine trustees to resign after the school publicly acknowledged it kept a list of connected applicants, some of whom were accepted over better-qualified applicants.
"It would be a very sad day for me personally, but more importantly, for the university to let Dave Dorris not be associated with such a fine institution," former Illinois basketball player and current Utah Jazz star Deron Williams wrote to Quinn in a letter obtained by The Associated Press.
"He obviously loves the University of Illinois and has proven that with years of dedication and service."
Similarly, former Illini basketball coach Lou Henson wrote to Quinn that Dorris "would never take part in bringing harm or injury in any way to his beloved alma mater."
Dorris, a graduate of the university's law school who lives in LeRoy, and is a longtime basketball season-ticket holder, confirmed the authenticity of the letters but said he didn't solicit them.
Nonetheless, he said, he's gratified that Williams, Henson and others are backing him.
"I've been really pleased with the public response," he said, saying he hasn't personally approached Quinn, "very important voices that are speaking on my behalf."
Two other trustees who've give Quinn their resignations, Chicago lawyer Devon Bruce and Greenville businessman Ed McMillan, say they haven't asked for support, either, and won't try to talk to Quinn.
Quinn said Friday he hadn't yet seen any letters written on behalf of prospective trustees, but doesn't see anything wrong with it. He wouldn't say whether he will reappoint any trustees.
"I don't think we can do anything on that subject until we get the remaining trustees to follow the recommendation of the Illinois Admissions Review) Commission as well as the governor himself that they should submit, voluntarily, their resignations," he said.
So far, all but two trustees — Frances Carroll and James Montgomery — have complied with Quinn's request to step down. Quinn said he met with Carroll and Montgomery on Friday but doesn't know if they'll change their mind.
Quinn's request mirrored the recommendation of the Admissions Review Commission, a panel he appointed to investigate the influence of political power on admissions after news reports revealed the university set up a special system for tracking the applications of students with connections. A handful were admitted in spite of lackluster academic credentials.
The commission, though, said Quinn might reappoint trustees who he believed weren't guilty of trying to meddle in the admissions process.
Five who have resigned — Dorris, Bruce, McMillan, Kenneth Schmidt and Robert Vickrey — have indicated they'd like to be reappointed. They argue they were among the least involved in the admissions problems.
"I was never asked to appear before the commission; my name does not appear at any time," said Bruce, who has both undergraduate and law degrees from the university.
Some who've resigned say they have unfinished business to tend to, and that the university could use their experience as it cleans up the mess. Dorris also made clear that he would like to make sure trustees don't forget to hold university President B. Joseph White accountable.
Dorris has called for White to resign over the admissions situation, the failure of the university's online Global Campus to draw large numbers of students and other issues.
Bruce, too, said Friday that he has "serious concerns about President White's job performance which predated the admissions concerns."
White, through a spokesman, declined to comment Friday. He has said he'll leave it to the trustees decide whether he's done a good job or not.
The commission cited issues with White for his role in the admissions uproar, but only recommended that trustees review his performance.
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Associated Press writer Deanna Bellandi contributed to this report from Chicago.
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