CARBONDALE, Ill. (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn says he has replaced three members of the Southern Illinois University board of trustees.

The Democrat on Monday named Sandra Cook of Collinsville, Melvin Terrell of Chicago and Lee Milner of Springfield as replacements for John Simmons of East Alton, Mark Hinrichs of O’Fallon and Ed Hightower of Edwardsville.

The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan reports that the move comes after speculation by the university system’s president and some board members that Quinn would retaliate against those on the panel who refused to re-elect the board’s chairman, whom Quinn reportedly favored.

Quinn says that’s not the case.

All of the terms of the departing board members expired last month. They largely expressed thankfulness for their time serving the university system they say faces challenges.

© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.