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SIU Hiring Report Released, Finds Randy Dunn Violated Procedures

Illinois' Office of the Executive Inspector General says former SIU President Randy Dunn violated hiring rules, and former Board of Trustees Chair Randal Thomas failed in his duties.

In its final report, Dunn responds to findings that he violated state and university hiring rules when negotiating the contract for the late SIUC Chancellor Carlo Montemagno. Investigators Montemagno's daughter and son-in-law were hired improperly, without proper searches, and that former SIU Vice President Brad Colwell was also appointed without following the correct procedures.

But in a rebuttal letter to the OEIG, Dunn says family hires are not unusual in higher education, and points out search waivers were requested for the special hires. He also says Colwell's appointment without a search should not be held to campus hiring rules, because Colwell worked in the SIU System office.

The OEIG also found that former Trustee Randal Thomas, whose term on the Board ended earlier this year, failed to keep other trustees informed about the hiring negotiations.

The office recommended Dunn not be offered a position within the university, and also directed SIU to beef up its hiring rules and training. The University says it has complied with most of the recommendations, and is working on the others.

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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