Daniel Mahoney

The campus in deep southern Illinois is grappling with a nearly $9.5 million budget shortfall that its leader says is largely fueled by athletics.

Originally scheduled to be ready this year, the $105 million project was pushed back to 2025 after the pandemic slowed its progress, according to SIU System President Dan Mahoney.

SIU's Board of Trustees will vote Thursday on the appointment of a ne w system president.