Originally run on 8/20/01

It may seem odd that Lou Hencken, a fixture of the Eastern community for 36 years is now working on a temporary basis. To many Hencken is as much a fixture of the university as Old Main, so its not hard to understand why he was chosen as interim president, temporarily filling the position vacated when former President Carol Surles resigned.

Surles, Eastern’s eight president, who was also the university’s first minority and first woman president, formally announced her resignation on July 24. An ongoing struggle with breast cancer forced her to leave Eastern in order to receive treatment.

Hencken, who had been the vice president for student affairs since 1992, was appointed to a serve until a permanent replacement is found. The appointment was approved by Eastern’s Board of Trustees at a special July 24 meeting.

As far as what he brings to the table, Hencken said, “The first thing is experience -as far as being at the university I’m beginning my 36th year so I know the university pretty well.” He started his career at Eastern as a residence hall director and moved up from director of housing to vice president for student affairs, so he is familiar with the various facets of the not only the campus, but the state of Illinois as well.

Surles came to Eastern with a three-year contract in March of 1999. Previously, she had served as president at Texas Woman’s University and held administrative positions at California State University, Jackson State University, the University of Michigan and the university of Central Florida.

“I think one of the things she did well was increase our funding,” Hencken said. He said fund raising and meeting with donors were some of Surles’ strengths because she was articulate and well-liked. He said she also worked hard to increase Eastern’s state funding.

“Carol was very, very, very good at working the halls of Springfield,” Hencken said. “She knew the legislature and wasn’t afraid to go and talk to them and explain our needs.”

The same process that resulted in Surles hiring will be used to choose her eventual replacement. A member of the board of trustees will chair a university-wide search advisory committee that will begin work this fall. The position will be posted early in 2002, and the board is hopeful that a new president will be selected in time for Fall Semester 2002.

Upon leaving, Surles prepared a statement.

“It is time for me to attend my health and reorder my priorities until my health is restored. I confess that leaving the work I love is very difficult, but it’s necessary at this juncture.”

In September 2001 Surles had surgery for breast cancer and, last March she underwent extensive tests at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston (cq no Texas needed) where her treatment plan was developed. As part of her the treatment plan, she will undergo additional surgery.

Hencken said he believes Surles returned to Houston to continue treatment.

Hencken is not entirely unfamiliar with the position of president, he served in a caretaker role last year while Surles was on leave.

“The difference was I knew she was going to come back in three or four months,” Hencken said. During Surles’ leave of absence he would sometimes contact her before making a decision on an important issue, but know the buck stop at him so to speak. He said he will often consult with the vice presidents and the campus, but the final say rests with him.

Hencken’s experience should bring stability to the position while a permanent replacement is sought. He hasn’t made any definitive career plans for after his term as interim president, opting instead to take it one day at a time.

“I sort of had my eye on the Wal-Mart greeter job,” Hencken joked. “After 36 years, I might just go and watch the grass grow.”