EIU Media Relations

EIU Board of Trustees meeting results: November 13, 2025

(Charleston, IL) — Eastern Illinois University’s regular November Board of Trustees meeting took place Thursday, November 13 in EIU’s Dvorak Concert Hall in the Doudna Fine Arts Center, located on its Charleston, Illinois campus.

Outcomes of the meeting included:

• An Honorary Degree approval for Mr. Keith Kohanzo
  A two-time Eastern Illinois University graduate (’69, ’71), Keith Kohanzo dedicated 35 years of his life to EIU, including 27 years as the founding director of the Office of Judicial Affairs (now the Dean of Students Office). A true pioneer, Kohanzo authored EIU’s first Code of Student Conduct. In 1988, he was a founding member of the Association for Student Judicial Affairs (now the Association for Student Conduct Administration). Beyond campus, Kohanzo has been a committed servant-leader, focused on preparing young adults for lives of purpose and significance. He served more than six decades in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and volunteered with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Program. Around the State of Illinois, he is recognized as a highly effective volunteer leader for Scouting America. He has led Charleston Troop 141 for more than 25 years and served for decades on the local council and district boards. Throughout his adult life, Kohanzo has also been involved in the Big Brothers – Big Sisters program. His distinguished career and extensive volunteer service have earned him numerous recognitions including EIU Distinguished Alum, the Jefferson Award for Public Service, the Silver Beaver Award—Scouting America's highest volunteer recognition, as well as Scouting’s Award of Merit (District), Order of the Arrow, and Cross & Flame.
• Purchase Approval: Trash Pick Up and Disposal Services
  The Board approved a contract effective upon execution through June 2027 with up to four options for two-year contract renewals.
• Purchase Approval: Lawson Cooling Tower Replacement
  The Board voted to replace an end-of-life (EOL) cooling tower affixed to the roof of Lawson Hall. The existing tower and its replacement are one of six looped units used to cool a variety of campus buildings.

In addition to these action items, trustees also heard a variety of regular informational reports, including an update on Intercollegiate Athletics, a report on earned degrees awarded, updates from other constituencies, a summary of recent purchases, a report on University deposits and investments, a summary of FY25 income-producing grants and contracts, a summary of FY25 tuition waivers, and various University highlights. Trustees also heard from members of the public who voiced concern about recent organizational adjustments including reduced staffing and the rapidly evolving higher education landscape, which EIU Board Chair Mr. C. Christopher Hicks acknowledged.

“It is a challenging time for higher education and I—and the Board—have full confidence in President Gatrell, his team’s strategy, and approach to addressing the most pressing financial issues that cannot be ignored,” Chair Hicks said. “We are confident that the leadership team and our amazing faculty have the ability to navigate the current fiscal challenges in a fashion that ensures EIU remains a viable, relevant, and fiscally sound institution that continues to serve students, power social mobility, and advance our mission.”

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.