In a text message to News-Gazette Media Thursday, Joe Petry says: 'I can confirm that I have been on administrative leave during the pendency of a University investigation. I have cooperated with this investigation to every extent required.' CHAMPAIGN — A UI economics professor and one-time Champaign mayoral candidate has been placed on administrative leave while the university investigates “accusations regarding his conduct,” a campus official told News-Gazette Media. read more