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Schlag Named Office of President Chief of Staff

October 31, 2016

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MACOMB, IL -- Paul Schlag, associate professor in the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA), has been appointed as the chief of staff in the Office of the President, effective Oct. 31.

Western's Board of Trustees recommended the hiring of a chief of staff to assist with executive level research, assignments, special projects and communication initiatives. The consolidation of two vacant positions in the office made this appointment possible and allowed for the restructuring of the office personnel. Schlag, who will also continue to teach within the RPTA department, will be responsible for providing background information on key issues in higher education, overseeing the administrative, operational and financial affairs of the Office of President, serving as an administrative liaison and representing the president at internal and external functions.

Prior to this appointment, Schlag served as associate director of the Honors College since August 2014 and as assistant chair of the RPTA department from 2012-2013. He joined the WIU RPTA department as an assistant professor in 2005. Schlag earned his doctoral degree in recreation and leisure studies at the University of Georgia in 2007, holds a master's degree in instructional technology with distinction from the University of Georgia, a master's degree in public administration from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and a bachelor's degree in recreation management and youth leadership from Brigham Young University.

"Dr. Schlag's tenure at Western Illinois University will allow him to step into this new role with ease to provide oversight of the Office of the President and enhanced communication and outreach to the University and local community," President Jack Thomas said.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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