Quinn:  Easter ‘Oustanding Choice’ to Lead U of I

The University of Illinois' new president is getting high praise from Governor Pat Quinn.

He calls former faculty member and administrator Robert Easter an outstanding choice to lead the university for two years after Michael Hogan officially steps down July 1st.

"I know he has the utmost respect of all of the students, the faculty, and the administration." Quinn said Monday. "And it's all about the students. We shouldn't forget that. The university is set up for the education of men and women who are going to make a difference in the world."

Hogan resigned Thursday amid faculty concerns about his leadership. Quinn says he knows Easter well. The two recently traveled together as part of a trade mission to China.

Quinn also wished Hogan well, calling him an excellent scholar who simply didn't work out.

"It was probably the right thing to do to have this change," the governor said. "And I think it's important for us to move on and not to dwell on the present."

Meanwhile, Quinn urged the Illinois Senate to end a controversial legislative scholarship program after passing the House last week.