URBANA – Robert Easter has been on the University of Illinois' flagship campus for decades, but he's starting what's expected to be a short stay as president of the university system.

Easter was chosen three months ago to take over for departing President Michael Hogan and lead the school's campuses in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield. Monday is Easter's first day on the job.

Easter is a former dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in Urbana. He has also served in several interim leadership roles.