The University of Illinois has spent more than $20,000 on expenses in its search for a new athletic director.
The cost of holding interviews in Indianapolis in February exceeded $11,000, including nearly $5,400 for university officials’ hotel rooms. More than $11,000 was spent on flights, hotel rooms and other travel expenses for the candidates themselves.
The company hired to consult on the search, Korn Ferry Executive Search, is charging the university a $140,000 fee, plus expenses. The university approved paying the firm up to $271,000, but the school expects to pay less than $200,000.
A university spokeswoman says conducting the search off campus is necessary to protect the process’ integrity and the candidates’ privacy.