State Rep. Bill Black wants U of I trustee job

DANVILLE -- Veteran Illinois lawmaker Bill Black says he wants to serve on the University of Illinois' embattled board of trustees.

The Danville Republican earned a master's degree from the University of Illinois, and he says he'll step down from the Illinois House seat he's held since 1986 if Gov. Pat Quinn appoints him to the board.

Three trustees have resigned recently amid allegations that some pushed for less qualified but politically connected students to be admitted to the school. Quinn has urged the rest of the board to step down after a state panel formed to study the university's admissions process recommended that they all resign.

Black served 10 years as an administrator at Danville Area Community College and was on the House Higher Education Committee.