By Blake Haas
NORMAL—Illinois State University’s Interim President has dropped the interim title, as the Board of Trustees named him the University’s 21st President.
During a Monday morning Board of Trustees meeting, Chairperson Katherine Bohn announced Dr. Aondover Tarhule as the next President.
The announcement came after a search committee interviewed four people for the position and brought each person to campus over the past two weeks.
Dr. Tarhule has been serving as ISU’s interim President since the resignation of Terri Goss-Kinzy in Feb. 2023.
“Your confidence in me is but humbling and inspiring,” said newly-minted ISU President Dr. Tarhule. “I commit to doing everything I can to justify that confidence, uphold the values and principles that have defined Illinois State for 167 years, and leverage your success and solid foundation for greater successes.”
WATCH: Board of Trustee Members name Dr. Tarhule as the University’s next President.
Under a four-year agreement, Dr. Tarhule’s contract includes a $450,000 salary, $50,000 in retirement bonuses, a one-time stipend of $25,000 for moving expenses, and residence in the President’s home.
Additionally, Dr. Tarhule’s contract includes a vehicle stipend and a membership to the Bloomington Country Club.
“The Board of Trustees determined that not only is Dr. Tarhule known to our campus community, but his
strategic and visionary perspective helped him stand out in a very competitive field of candidates,” added Kathrine Bohn, Chairperson of the Board. “He is an approachable leader who brings a high level of integrity, knowledge and thought to conversations that will continue our institution’s 167-year legacy well into the future. I’m proud to say he’s earned our trust and the title of President.”
Dr. Tarhule assumes the position of President immediately.
Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].
