SPRINGFIELD – University of Illinois at Springfield has hired a veteran, its Provost Harry J. Berman, to serve as interim chancellor.

The Board of Trustees must vote on the appointment at its scheduled Sept. 23 meeting in Urbana.

Berman has three decades of experience in Springfield, going back to when it was Sangamon State University.

He has served as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs since 2005 and is the chief budgetary and academic officer of the campus. He has been on the campus for three decades as a member of the faculty and senior administration.

Berman was recommended by UI President Michael J. Hogan.

Berman, 63, told The News-Gazette "I hope to make the transition as smooth as possible."

A UIS chancellor search committee has been formed, and expects to find a new permanent chancellor in 2011.

Berman said he was not a candidate for the permanent position. Earlier this year, Richard Ringeisen announced his retirement effective Oct. 31, after nine years as chancellor.

Berman came to Springfield as an assistant professor in gerontology in 1977.

Berman said the UIS "has good momentum," including record enrollment and a growth in international partnerships.

His salary is $176,045. He will receive $211,254 in his interim position; Ringeisen is earning $273,500.

Berman said he has a good relationship with the new president. "I've been very pleased in the conversations with President Hogan leading up to this appointment," he said.

"I am pleased that Provost Berman is willing to take on the responsibilities of interim chancellor," Hogan said in a press release. "His knowledge of the campus and his experience in both the academic and financial administration of the campus are extremely valuable to the university. Harry brings strength of leadership as well as continuity at a challenging time for the UIS campus and the university."

Berman was named associate vice chancellor for academic affairs in 1994.

Under Berman's tenure, the UIS developed a new general education curriculum that allowed the college to expand its freshman class, as well as a high affordability ranking in U.S. News and World Report.

A gerontologist, Berman holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago and a doctorate from Washington University. He has served as president of the Illinois Association of Graduate Schools.