NORTH PARK — The Northeastern Illinois University Board of Trustees announced Tuesday the appointment of Provost Richard Helldobler as interim president, set to succeed outgoing Pres. Sharon Hahs when her retirement becomes effective Sept. 30.
Helldobler's tenure is expected to run through the end of April 2018.
He's held the provost title, as well as vice president for academic affairs, since he arrived at NEIU in 2013. In those capacities, he served as the university's chief academic officer and also oversaw recruitment and admissions.
Hahs informed the university's community in July that she would be stepping down after nearly a decade at the helm of NEIU. She had delayed her retirement plans while the university's financial situation remained in jeopardy due to the state budget impasse, according to a statement from the university.
At the time, Hahs recommended that the board postpone a search for a permanent replacement, and place Helldobler in the position temporarily, until Illinois got its fiscal house in order.
NEIU, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave., is among the Illinois public universities owed millions in backlogged appropriations from the state.
Founded in 1867, Northeastern enrolls approximately 10,000 students and offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
