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Updated at 1:15 p.m.: SIU Carbondale Chancellor Rita Cheng is expected to be the next president at Northern Arizona University.

"It came unexpectedly. It’s an opportunity that was presented to me by search firm that represented Northern Arizona," Cheng said. "Although unexpected, it was very appealing because the university shares many characteristics with SIU."

Cheng took over in 2010 for interim chancellor Sam Goldman.

SIU Carbondale enrollment in fall 2010 was 20,037. In fall 2013, it was 17,964. Enrollment dropped each year since Cheng took over.

"I think we’ve made great progress in SIU," she said. "I’m really proud we’ve stabilized the financial situation and are growing student enrollment and enhancing our academic and research programs."

Tuition has gone up every year since 2010. It was $243 per credit hour in 2010. It’s $280.50 now. The Board of Trustees recently voted against raising tuition for 2014-15.

Her current salary is $347,976. She also receives a $27,500 housing allowance, university vehicle and retirement benefits. It is not yet known what her salary at NAU would be.