Dear Faculty and Staff —

Welcome back to this Spring semester! This is the first of weekly reports to the university primarily intended for Academic Affairs but certainly available for other colleagues if so interested. First, I express my gratitude to all who have welcomed me to this beautiful, impressive campus. I especially want to thank Monica Kroft, Ann Comerford, Vickie Cook, and Kelly Walraven, who have provided wise counsel and services beyond the call of their regular duties.

Linda M. Delene has been named interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield. She will begin her role on Monday, Jan. 9, with the U of I Board of Trustees expected to complete the formal approval process at its Jan. 26 meeting.

Delene is a seasoned administrator in higher education with extensive experience at the provost level. In the past five years, she served as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs at SUNY Brockport and Belmont Abbey College.

Adjunct of the Year Award Recipients

The Adjunct of the Year Award at UIS recognizes the teaching accomplishments of UIS adjunct (per course) faculty member who has taught a minimum of four semesters at UIS in the previous three years.

The University of Illinois Springfield held a Faculty Honors Reception on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Dennis Papini presided over the ceremony.

Four major awards – the Pearson Faculty Award, the Spencer Faculty Service Award, the Faculty Excellence Award and the Burks Oakley II Distinguished Online Teaching Award - were presented.