William L. Perry began serving Eastern Illinois University as president on July 1, 2007, following 36 years of service to higher education in Texas.

Perry, who was born and raised in the Midwest, received his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. In his subsequent career at Texas A&M University, he proceeded through the tenured faculty ranks in mathematics, and then served in increasingly responsible administrative roles involving multiple areas of budget, personnel and planning for the university, academic affairs and facilities. While at Texas A&M, he received recognition for his service in teaching and in administration.

As an undergraduate, Perry attended Park College in Parkville, Missouri, where he majored in mathematics and history, and played basketball. In 1999, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Park.

Perry’s past activities in community service include United Way, Boys Club, Arts Council of the Brazos Valley and Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center.

Bill and his wife, Linda, reside in Charleston.