For the first time in about eight years, each position of the Eastern Board of Trustees is filled.

Gov. Pat Quinn reappointed Chairman Robert Webb, along with Board of Trustees members Roger Kratochvil and Leo Welch. Quinn also appointed four new members Monday.

“It has been around seven or eight years since we have had a full board,” Webb said. “With a full board, we are able to bring different views and ideas to the table about the university’s future.”

One of the new members is Joseph Dively, of Charleston, who is the former president of the Eastern Alumni Association, former chairman of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce and president of the First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust.

Another new member is William Dano III, of Oswego, who has more than 20 years of sales management experience.

“I think having a full board of members with varied areas of expertise will bring a level of knowledge and thinking into the mix, and out of that should come better decisions,” Webb said.

Rene Hutchinson, of Chicago, a member of Eastern’s Board of Directors, and Kenneth Goetz, of Elmhurst, who has been an attorney for more than 20 years, were also appointed to the Board.

“We have people who are from areas throughout the state with diverse backgrounds and each one has different interests they can represent on the board,” Webb said.

Even though Quinn’s appointments filled the Board of Trustees positions, the appointments will need to be approved by the Illinois Senate, Webb said. Until then, the members are temporary trustees.

Those who are no longer members of the Board of Trustees are Julie Nimmons, who was appointed in April 2001, and William O’Rourke, who was appointed in June 2005.

Webb said Nimmons and O’Rourke used their background expertise to further the cause of benefiting Eastern.

“Julie Nimmons was very active in the (EI&U) Foundation, which is the current drive to raise $50 million, and I hope she will continue to provide good leadership for that effort,” Webb said. “William O’Rourke had an energy background at the City Water, Light and Power in Springfield and his contribution to the Renewable Energy Center was very important.”

The Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet on Nov. 18, and Webb said they are working with President Bill Perry to develop an orientation program for the new members before the meeting.

“We plan to familiarize them with campus and the different administrative and academic programs of the university along with how the board conducts its business,” Webb said. “I have not met all of the members but I am looking forward to seeing how everything unfolds.”

Rachel Rodgers can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].