The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) has officially announced the appointment of Ann Comerford as the interim vice chancellor for student affairs. She will begin her new position on June 1, 2021, pending formal approval from the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

“I am looking forward to working with a great division full of dedicated staff committed to supporting UIS students and the campus community,” said Comerford.

The Decatur, Illinois native has served as executive director of the UIS Student Union since August 2017 with direct responsibilities for the personnel, budget, strategic planning and evaluation of programs and services offered through the Student Union.

Prior to coming to UIS, Comerford served in several leadership roles at Western Illinois University for 18 years. She was the director of the University Union from 2010-2017, director of student activities from 2006-2010, associate director of student activities from 2005-2006 and assistant director of student activities from 1999-2005.

She started her career as a hall coordinator and assistant director of campus activities at Quincy University in 1993, followed by three years as a special programs and center events graduate assistant at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Comerford earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Quincy University and a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in college student personnel from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

She has been a member of the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) since 1997, earning the Susan Yung Maul Distinguished Service Award – Region 9 in 2011. Comerford was recently elected as an at-large member of ACUI’s Board of Trustees starting in March 2021. She also volunteers in Springfield as a member of the Springfield Old Capital Art Fair Board.