After a summer of controversy, President B. Joseph White of the University of Illinois officially resigned his post on Sept. 23 following an admissions scandal that involved giving special privileges to students with political connections.

The resignation announcement was made last Wednesday when White faced the press corps to apologize for past wrongdoings while also defending his reputation.  The controversy surrounding White’s departure stemmed from the formalized admissions process of the University which gave admission to less qualified applicants with political ties over more qualified students.  In addition to White’s resignation, six members on the University’s Board of Trustees have already been replaced.

In light of his resignation which will take effect at the end of the year, White will lose out on a $475,000 retention bonus he would have received this coming February.  The new Board of Trustees will have the task of appointing a new President for the University.

White, who also teaches business ethics and leadership, said that he will remain a professor at the University earning about $300,000 a year, while also continuing his work on a fundraising campaign that was one of his major initiatives.       

Political supporters for White have publically offered their take on the controversy and have backed White’s decision to step down.

"It got to the point where it seemed like he would not survive from a political standpoint," said businessman and White supporter David Downey. "Sometimes it's better to leave on your own terms."

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