He subsequently undertook postgraduate studies at that same institution, obtaining a master's degree in English one year later and a Doctor of Philosophy in education in 1967.

[3][4] Prior to becoming president of Illinois State University, Budig served as its dean of students for seventeen months.

[5] One of Budig's first actions was to restore the academic colleges and Student Services eliminated by the prior president, David Berlo.

[6] Under Budig, several new degrees were added at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, ranging from agribusiness to curriculum and instruction.

In 1977, a rock concert on campus saw thousands of dollars in property damage and dozens of students requiring medical attention, some for drug overdoses.

In 1992, KU set a record with an enrollment of 29,161 students, and endowed professorships more than tripled, from just 44 at his arrival to more than 130 at his retirement.

Through Chancellor Budig's efforts, KU received an $18 million State appropriation to rebuild the structure.

[10] In January 2007, Budig became part-owner of the Charleston RiverDogs, a minor-league affiliate of the New York Yankees who play in the South Atlantic League.