Western Illinois University president speaks for first time about layoffs

MACOMB, Ill. (KWQC) - The president of Western Illinois University in Macomb is speaking for the first time since layoffs were announced earlier this week.

The school is not renewing the contracts of 36 academic support professionals and associate faculty members.

Interim President Kristi Mindrup said the university needs to reduce spending by $20 million, and paying those 36 former employees represented 15% of that amount, or about $3 million.

She said it is premature to talk about future cuts.

"We're continuing to evaluate our financial situation," Mindup said. "We know that we have a certain goal that we need to attain, so it's too soon to say that."

Mindrup said a hiring suspension and a spending freeze have been in effect since June 1.