CARBONDALE - Carbondale's gain is a loss for North Texas, say faculty members who have worked with Southern Illinois University Carbondale's new chancellor.

Fernando Treviño will soon depart his post as professor at School of Public Health at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth to take on the role of chancellor at SIUC, effective July 1. SIU President Glenn Poshard announced his selection of Treviño from three other finalists last week.

Faculty who have worked closely with Treviño say they will miss the man chosen to lead the Salukis.

Kristine Lykens, an assistant professor in the School of Public Health, served with Treviño in both his prominent capacities - dean and professor.

Lykens said Treviño is a thoughtful leader who values input from a number of sources.

"He's inclusive," Lykens said. "He's very people-friendly, and a good listener. As a junior faculty member - this is my first academic job right out of graduate school - he's been very supportive of me. I know that's true for the majority of the other faculty.

"In terms of the students, he's made a point of having both an open-door policy and regular meetings with student leadership."

Lykens said Treviño is noted for his efforts to promote awareness of Hispanic healthcare. Texas has a burgeoning Hispanic population, Lykens said, and Mexican-born Treviño has been a champion of that group.

"More attention needs to be paid to that population in the academic settings," Lykens said. "He's a great role model for them."

She isn't the only faculty member to speak highly of Treviño.

Peter Hilsenrath, a professor in health management and policy, said he and Treviño have become friends in the seven years they have worked together.

Hilsenrath praised Treviño's ability to relate to his fellow faculty members as an asset that will translate well to one of Carbondale's top slots.

"He's very savvy politically and professionally, and I think that will serve him in his capacity of chancellor at SIU," Hilsenrath said.

As a leader, Hilsenrath said he would describe Treviño as capable and easygoing.

"He's generally very relaxed," Hilsenrath said. "He does have a lot of respect for traditional academic values, which I assume are alive and well in Carbondale."

Treviño's expertise on health care management and policy will be a benefit considering SIUC's medical school, Hilsenrath said.

"He is someone of a unique background who could oversee both campuses," Hilsenrath said.

ashley.wiehle@thesouthern.com

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