EIU Media Relations

Dettro resigns seat on EIU Board of Trustees

For Roger Dettro, considered to be one of the most influential figures in Eastern Illinois University’s first century, has decided to leave his post on the EIU Board of Trustees.

Dettro announced his resignation, effective June 30, during the board’s meeting on Monday.

“I’ve been on the board for almost six years, and it’s time to move on and let someone else serve the university,” Dettro said. “I will still be active in supportive roles at EIU.”

Dettro, a 1953 graduate of EIU who lives in Mattoon, was included in the “Centennial 100,” a list of the most influential figures in EIU’s first century, in 1995. He is a member of EIU’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

“While we are disappointed to see Dr. Dettro leave, we certainly appreciate his years of dedicated service to EIU,” said President Lou Hencken. “His connection with EIU began when he was a student here, and he has always been a willing contributor to the success of his alma mater. I’m confident he’ll continue being a loyal supporter of EIU even though he’s no longer on the board.”

Dettro was appointed to the BOT by Gov. George Ryan in 1999. His term actually ended Jan. 17, but, as is customary, he was continuing to serve until Gov. Rod Blagojevich made an appointment.

Replacements for Dettro and former board chairman Nathaniel Anderson, who resigned in March, have not yet been appointed.

“We’re working closely with the governor’s office to fill those positions,” Hencken said.

Dettro said he was particularly proud to be a part of developments including the recent $2 million gift from the Tarble Foundation, the expansion of the Tarble Arts Center and the renovation and expansion of Booth Library.

“We really have everything going for us here at Eastern,” Dettro said, praising the administration, faculty, staff and students, and specifically mentioning the university’s annual inclusion in a list of the top universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. “It’s a great university. I’ve enjoyed so much being on this board.”

After graduating from EIU, Dettro served as an officer in the U.S. Navy until 1956. He went on to receive his doctorate in dental surgery from Washington University in St. Louis in 1961.

Dettro practiced dentistry in Mattoon until his retirement in 2001. He also served as the city’s mayor from 1972 to 1993.

Dettro, the 2001 recipient of the Lake Land College Distinguished Service Award, is a member of the Lake Land College Foundation.

He has been president of the EIU Foundation; president of the EIU Panther Club; president of the Illinois Municipal League; chairman of the Illinois Department of Local Officers Police Training Board; and a director of Heartland Bank.

Dettro is a member of Mattoon Rotary, American Legion and Central Community Church.