CARBONDALE - Since being named president of Southern Illinois University three years ago, Glenn Poshard has earned a reputation of strong leadership among higher education officials.

Poshard, a former state senator and U.S. congressman, has led the charge in lobbying for funding at both the state and federal levels. He's helped gain a 6.4 percent increase in state-provided operating funds from the state and secured a $25 million increase in supplemental funds for SIU.

"He's the leading voice in Springfield for higher education funding requests," said Roger Tedrick, chairman of the SIU Board of Trustees. "He's got them (university presidents) to band together and have a unified voice."

Part of the ability to do so comes from having relationships state agency directors and legislators, Poshard said. He isn't afraid, however, to challenge officials on issues that could negatively affect the university.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich asked Poshard to travel the state with former U.S. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert earlier this year to promote a capital bill. While the bill has not been successful so far, Poshard remains confident the funding initiative - which includes $284.5 million for SIU - will eventually be approved.

On the other side, Poshard testified last week against Blagojevich's proposed 8 percent cuts to the state's higher education funding. The legislature backed off after the testimony, but Poshard again went on the defensive when word surfaced this week that a 2.5 percent cut was a strong possibility.

"That's an uncomfortable thing to have to do, but in order to protect our university, it's what I have to do," Poshard said of speaking out against action by the same lawmakers he asks for support.

SIU Carbondale Interim Chancellor Samuel Goldman said Poshard's relationships within government are very important to the university, especially in a time when the state's financial situation is not always positive.

"Can you imagine where we'd be if this state was fiscally healthy?" Goldman said.

Tedrick also praised Poshard's efforts to improve the university in other ways, as well. The implementation of a construction and land-use plan for both campuses marks an important step of development, and the president's taken aim at improving enrollment during times of a downward economy, Tedrick said.

But even Poshard acknowledges the past three years have not always been the brightest times.

Last winter, he was investigated after being accused of plagiarizing his doctoral dissertation. And the firing of two chancellors on the Carbondale campus has raised commentary among his critics.

The plagiarism claims were cleared by a review board, which asked Poshard to make the proper citations in his dissertation. He complied.

Goldman, a retired member of the SIUC faculty who had served on the university's board of trustees since 2005, gave up his board seat and agreed to serve as interim chancellor. Poshard said Goldman will stay in the position to 2010, adding stability to the position while the university searches for a full-time replacement.

Administrators decided against using an outside search firm after spending more than $100,000 to find Fernando Treviño, who Poshard placed on administrative leave in March, citing work performance issues. Treviño's contract was set to expire at the end of June 2010.

"We have made some very, very significant steps forward," Poshard said. "I've stayed focused on our goals and objectives. I feel very confident about the future of our university."

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