U of I ready to extend president's contract

CHAMPAIGN -- The University of Illinois is ready to extend President Joseph White's contract by a year and a half.

The university board of trustees will consider the extension of his contract through June 2011 at a meeting Thursday in Springfield. They aren't considering giving White a raise.

Board Chairman Lawrence Eppley says White is doing a terrific job. Eppley, however, says a pay increase isn't appropriate given the current economic downturn.

White is paid $450,000 a year and came to Illinois in 2005.

Trustees discussed the extension during a closed-door meeting last month.