This was no April Fools’ joke.

James L. Kaplan acted as chair of the Illinois Board of Higher Education at the April 1 meeting, replacing Steven H. Lesnik.

The board was surprised by Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s appointment.

“We had some inkling that the governor planned to name a new chairman, but did not know when it would happen,” said Don Sevener, IBHE media director. “The timing took us a little by surprise.”

Interim President Lou Hencken said the unexpected change had a “bombshell” effect at the board meeting.

Lesnik was appointed by former Gov. George Ryan and held the position this past year.

“Gov. Blagojevich obviously wanted to appoint his own person to the position,” Sevener said.

Kaplan has served on the board since 1999. He was reappointed by Gov. Ryan to a term set to expire in 2007.

With Kaplan’s experience in higher education, “it’s not any particular surprise the governor would reach out to him,” said Tom Schaefer, spokesman for Gov. Blagojevich.

The new chairman was appointed now as “the governor has been putting together his administrative team,” Schaefer said. “I’m not sure I would read into this.”

Kaplan referred to Lesnik as “a powerful voice for colleges and universities in Illinois,” in an IBHE press release.

“I want to assure everyone throughout our great higher education system that I will work tirelessly to advance the cause of higher education to ensure that we sustain our status among the top-ranked states in the nation,” Kaplan said.

On the board, Kaplan oversaw the development of the Committee on Access and Diversity.

The IBHE discussed a report on faculty diversity Tuesday. The report was an outgrowth of the committee’s study on student diversity in enrollment.

The report this week centered on minority and female faculty and faculty with disabilities with a goal to increase faculty diversity.

Kaplan earned his law degree from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law. He has served as general counsel to the Illinois legislature.

Lesnik will continue to serve on the board until a replacement is found. His term as chairman would have been up in January.