Illinois State University Trustee Emeritus Bill Sulaski, who also served as the first chair and inaugural member of the Board of Trustees, died on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. He was 85.

Sulaski was appointed to the Board by Gov. Jim Edgar in the fall of 1995. He previously served on a collective of state universities’ Board of Regents, starting June 22, 1993. He was one of two regents to make the transition to the Illinois State University Board of Trustees in 1996. Sulaski was named as the first chair on the Board of Trustees following the transition and served as the only chair until he resigned as a trustee in 2003 to spend time with family.  

Originally from Peoria, Illinois, Sulaski later moved to Normal where he worked as a certified public accountant. He was the founding partner of Sulaski & Webb CPAs. He also contributed tirelessly to his community, serving as president of Bloomington-Normal Jaycees, president of McLean County Chamber of Commerce, and president of McLean County Center for Human Services. He and his wife Susan were devout Redbird fans. 

Sulaski was a 2003 recipient of the Maitland Commitment to Education Award. He received the 27th Annual WJBC Don Munson Spirit of McLean County award in 2003. He also was named to the WGLT Hall of Fame in 2019, recognized for contributions integral to WGLT’s ongoing excellence in public service. 

Illinois State honors the memory of Trustee Emeritus Sulaski and conveys heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. 

Illinois State University Board of Trustees, January 1996 / University Archives