![](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/389/2022/04/18125146/IMG_8944-1024x768.jpg)
By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – In other years, on the third Monday in April, Janet Gooch would be running the Boston Marathon. But now, the determination that helped her complete that race – as well as triathlons – should be an asset in her new job, chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield.
Gooch, who comes from Kirksville, Mo., after a long career at Truman State University, topping out as vice president and provost, is the choice to succeed retired chancellor Susan Koch. Karen Whitney served two years as interim.
“I’m ready for the next challenge, Gooch said at a news conference Monday. “I have lived in Kirksville since 1995. It’s been a wonderful place for me to grow personally and professionally. “I raised my family there. It’s a wonderful small community – very similar to Springfield in a lot of ways, but I am ready for a new challenge. I’m ready to do something different and to bring my talents elsewhere – and to push myself.”
Gooch’s background is in speech pathology. Pending trustees’ approval, she’ll start at UIS in July.