Glenn Poshardis a former Illinois State Senator, U.S. Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate, and is a former President of the Southern Illinois University system... (wikipedia)
Our university sits in a most unique position because we have a long history of accepting and promoting diversity in our system. I don't want us to lose that mission, because that's our roots, our history.
We have always felt that the fellowships in question were but a small part of an overall graduate program that provides opportunities for thousands of our students, from every imaginable cultural background, to pursue graduate degrees while working at Southern Illinois University.
We will comply with the consent decree because it is the legal thing to do. We will increase the participation of women, African Americans, Latinos and Hispanics in our graduate assistance programs because it is the right thing to do.
We think it's short-sighted to let this go. We are so oil dependent, we are never going to get out of this unless we take some risk ... to produce ethanol.
Dr. Walker was recognized as one of the most accomplished and dedicated higher education professionals in this country. He was a caring and decent man who accomplished a great deal for Southern Illinois University through his positive outlook on life and his wonderful sense of humor.
I've assured them that the campuses would be treated fairly, that they have an open, direct line to me, and that the needs of Edwardsville will not go unmet. All of this is going to require openness and inclusiveness.
I know many minority groups in the past have had promises made and promises broken. I understand that. But we're not going to break our promise.
I couldn't be more ready to get going.