Controversy has surrounded the Board of Regents’ chancellor’s position since its creation in 1984, when William Monat was named for the job.

Previously, the board was headed by an executive director, Franklin Matsler, who served for 16 years in the board’s top spot. Matsler was the director since the board was created in 1968.

The Board of Regents governs NIU, Illinois State University in Normal and Sangamon State University in Springfield.

Recent controversy has been publicized about proposed policy changes mentioned in a memo sent by current Chancellor Roderick Groves to other board members. Strong opposition was expressed at the first Faculty Assembly meeting and Wednesday’s UC meeting.

At the time the position was created, a teachers group called the University Professionals of Illinois filed a lawsuit against the governing board. UPI charged that it held secret meetings to discuss a planned administrative reorganization.

The Regents motioned for a dismissal of the case, reasoning that the decision was related to personnel matters.

UPI agreed for a dismissal in September 1985, because of the passage of time and number of actions made after the suit was filed, said UPI President Mitchell Vogel.

“We were concerned with improving the decision making process,” Vogel said. “The board gave us an assurance that when they make decisions (of public concern), they will do it in public.”

UPI did not “pass judgement” against the formation of the position or the appointment of William Monat as chancellor. Vogel said.

Current Board of Regents Chancellor Roderick Groves, who began the position in 1986, was unavailable for comment Wednesday.

Former Chancellor William Monat, currently an NIU political science professor, said he saw the change from executive director to chancellor as an evolution of the Board of Regents.

“The last language proposed to change to a chancellorship was carefully crafted at that, the Board of Regents wanted to move to a new structure,” Monat said.

“After five years (since the chancellorship formation), the board wants to make more changes,” he said.

Monat said his position on the proposal reflects that of the University Council’s resolution, but that the board is making changes it feels are necessary. He said he hopes the board will listen to the concerns of the UC before making a final decision.