An Eastern Illinois University faculty member was attacked Tuesday at the southwest corner of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, police said.

William Feltt, 46, an English professor, was attacked at about 1:50 a.m. by about six to eight white males, all estimated to be in their 20s. The assault was allegedly unprovoked and police have named no motive at the time, according to a press release from the University Police department.

Feltt was treated at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital and released, but it is undetermined when he will return to work. Hospital officials would not comment on the type or extent of his injuries.

The UPD is encouraging anyone with information about the case to call the department at 581-3113. A $2,500 reward is being offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons involved with the crime.

Feltt graduated with a bachelors degree in journalism from Eastern in 1987 and returned to earn his masters in English last summer. He started teaching two introductory English courses, English 1001 and 1002, this Fall, said Dana Ringuette, chair of the English department.

“Eastern does not tolerate acts of violence,” said Shirley Stewart, acting vice president for students affairs, in a press release. “This incident appears to be a random act, and we intend to assist our police department in any way possible during its ongoing investigation.”

Adam Due, chief public safety officer at the UPD, said he could not comment on whether UPD had any suspects.