CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — A former administrator at Southern Illinois University’s Carbondale campus has been approved as its temporary leader while the university conducts a search to fill the position.

The university says its board of trustees voted Thursday to name John Dunn interim chancellor, a role he held in 2006-07.

SIU Interim President J. Kevin Dorsey says he sought an experienced administrator who could serve for 18 to 24 months following the death of Carbondale Chancellor Carlo Montemagno in October.

Dunn was the SUI’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs from 2002 to 2006. He later became president of Western Michigan University until retiring in 2017.

Dunn begins as interim chancellor on Jan. 1. His appointment continues until the end of 2020 unless a permanent chancellor starts before then.