Three applicants visited Eastern and were interviewed for the vacant budget director’s position, but the search committee is still formulating a final recommendation.

Paul McCann, director of Business Services, said five applications were received in mid-January. Three on-campus interviews were held from April 21-30.

The job description requires applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, financing or other business-related fields, but a master’s degree is preferred.

Another requirement declares a need for the ability to deliver persuasive presentations to legislators, regulators and university constituents.

The Board of Trustees decided April 21 to increase tuition 12 percent to compensate for Governor Rod Blagojevich’s 0 percent increase for higher education in the state budget.

McCann said William Weber, associate vice president for academic affairs, has filled the vacant position since Jim Shonkwiler retired in October. Weber’s other responsibilities include faculty development and coordinating summer sessions.

The university started advertising for a replacement directly after Shonkwiler retired, McCann said.

He said hiring a full-time person for the job would provide Weber some needed relief.

According to Shonkwiler’s staff profile, he was hired as budget director in April 2003 after working at the University of Illinois, the University of Florida and the University of Missouri.

Rick Kambic can be reached at 581-7942 or at rwkambic@eiu.edu.