Former Illini basketball star Deon Thomas, an analyst for the Fighting Illini Sports Network, has a new University of Illinois job.
Thomas was hired recently for a one-year position as community relations coordinator with the Office of Governmental Relations, based in Chicago. He is being paid $80,000.
Jim Oliver, a former long-time UI Extension staff member, filled this role for Bob Easter when he was university president, according to UI spokesman Tom Hardy.
Thomas' job description says he works at the direction of President Tim Killeen, serving as the liaison to the public for the Office of Governmental Relations, which coordinates UI's lobbying efforts.