Eastern Illinois UniversityCHARLESTON, Ill. (AP) – Eastern Illinois University’s board of trustees hopes to begin the search for a new school president this fall.

President Bill Perry has announced plans to retire next year. The board has named the 18 members of a search committee that will look for candidates to replace Perry.

The University of Illinois is planning three town hall meetings later this month to obtain input for a committee leading a nationwide search for it’s new president.

Current President Robert Easter plans to retire next year. The Board of Trustees intends to name a replacement by late fall.

Randy Dunn took over as SIU’s President in May. Larry Dietz, a former SIU administrator, was named President of Illinois State University earlier this year.

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)