Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The longtime head of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine says he will retire about one year from now.

According to an e-mail obtained by WTAX and Capitol City Now, Dr. Jerry Kruse told colleagues Thursday morning he will not renew his contracts as Dean and Provost of the SIU School of Medicine, and as CEO of SIU Medicine, and his last day will be “on or about August 31, 2026.

“This decision brings with it a flood of memories,” said Kruse, in the e-mail.  “For 41 years, I have had the privilege of learning, teaching, and working with you.  We have worked together in a medical school and a clinical practice grounded in innovation, community partnership, and a focus on improving health for the people of central and southern Illinois.

Kruse was not available for comment Thursday, but told colleagues “it has been a true joy working with you.”

Kruse joined SIU School of Medicine in 1984, according to a biography on the school’s website, having served in a number of leadership capacities in that time.  He also, for the last year, has been co-chair of the Massey Commission, which has been looking into problems in policing and with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department, following the July, 2024 death of Sonya Massey.

In the e-mail, Kruse said the last five years have been ones “of rapid change and acceleration,” and through the recent completion of strategic planning called “Finishing Strong,” the school nagivated the COVID-19 pandemic while dealing with both workforce shortages and financial issues.

Kruse said in the e-mail SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane will conduct the search for his successor.