The University’s Board of Trustees met in a special meeting Saturday, passing a motion to immediately accept former University President Stanley O. Ikenberry as interim president.

“White and Ikenberry have a relationship that can help in this transition process, good for seeking a long-term, full-time replacement,” said Trustee Edward McMillan.

The board also formally accepted B. Joseph White’s resignation as University president, effective Dec. 31.

“It’s not something we enjoy voting on, but we know he has great pride in the legacy he (White) leaves here at the University of Illinois,” said Chairman Chris Kennedy.

Trustee James Montgomery said he agreed, adding that the move was necessary to improve the University’s public image.

“I think he has had an outstanding tenure as president of the University; it would have been a plus for the University to retain Joe White’s services,” Montgomery said. “On other hand, it is important in solving these issues that have become public controversy.”

At the meeting, the board passed a motion to create a committee to advise the search for a new president. This committee would consist of three board members, eight faculty members, three students from each campus and members of the Illinois Alumni Association and the University of Illinois Foundation.

Trustee Lawrence Oliver said Isaacson, Miller, an executive search firm, will work with the search committee to decide on a new president. He said is it important that the University listens to the faculty’s input on this issue.

“The recommendation is that three trustees join the search committee,” Ikenberry said. “That’s a very wise move; it’s an important factor in helping us attract first-rate candidates.”

Addressing the board, White said he agreed, and added that the search would bring the UI community together.

“I think that searching for a president of the University is a major opportunity for community building,” White said. “It’s important that they offer their voices and make opinions known.”

Ikenberry said the current time for the University is “optimistic” despite the challenges it faces.

“I had a love affair with the University of Illinois 30 years ago,” Ikenberry said. “I’ve said all along that if the University needed help, I would.”

Looking into the future, Oliver said the ad–hoc committee, which reviews administrators’ past involvement in the admissions controversy, hopes to decide the fate of those administrators by the Nov. 12 Board of Trustees meeting.

“It is an important first step, but not the only step,” Oliver said about whether a new president will help UI put admission issues behind it. “There were others who played a role. We are in the process of determining the role of these people named in the admissions review.”