Illinois State University names new provost

NORMAL, Ill. (AP) - Illinois State University has named one of its former deans as the school's next provost.

Janet Krejci (KRECH'-ee) was named Monday as the university's provost and vice president of academic affairs. The provost is the chief academic officer and Number Two administrator on campus behind the president. Krejci will be paid $275,000 a year.

Krejci had been serving as the interim provost since last year. Previously she had been dean of ISU's Mennonite College of Nursing.

Krejci said in a university news release that she believes higher education is at a crossroads and she looks forward to helping steer that debate.

Public universities in Illinois and elsewhere are seeing government financial support dwindle while tuition has sharply increased in recent years.

Krejci was chosen over three other finalists.