6.28.23

Dear Faculty and Staff —

I am pleased to share that Dr. J. Travis Bland has been selected to serve as interim dean (designate) of the College of Health, Science and Technology, pending Board of Trustees approval. His two-year appointment will begin July 1.

6.12.23

Happy Monday!

6.6.23

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff —

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Brandon Schwab as the next UIS Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Dr. Schwab will serve as provost-designate until formal approval by the Board of Trustees. His first day at UIS will be July 17.

6.5.23

Dear Faculty and Staff —

I am pleased to share that Dr. Miriam L. Wallace has been named the new dean of the UIS College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. She will serve as dean-designate until formal approval by the Board of Trustees and is expected to start in her new role July 1.

5.12.23

Dear Colleagues:

Happy Friday — our last day before UIS Commencement!

Thank you for a wonderful 2022-23 academic year and for ALL you have done to serve our students, both in and out of the classroom, to help them meet their academic and personal goals. I know those of us watching our newest wave of UIS graduates walk across the commencement stage tomorrow will be filled with immense pride.

5.9.23

Dear Faculty and Staff —

I am pleased to share that Dr. Cecilia Cornell will serve as interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, effective immediately. While the search for our permanent provost proceeds on schedule, Dr. Cornell will provide leadership over the Academic Affairs division until our selected candidate begins their appointment.

5.9.23

Dear Faculty and Staff —

I am pleased to share that Dr. Kenneth Kriz, University of Illinois Distinguished Professor of Public Administration and Director of the Institute for Illinois Public Finance, has been appointed UIS interim Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration (Designate) effective May 16. Dr. Kriz will serve as interim VCFA, pending Board of Trustees approval, for a two-year term.

5.5.23

Dear Faculty and Staff:

Next Friday, May 12, I am hosting an information session in the Studio Theatre and by Zoom from 3 to 4 p.m. for faculty and staff who want to learn more about the appropriation process for our university’s budget. Paul Ellinger, vice president/chief financial officer and comptroller of the University of Illinois System, will be our featured presenter. The Zoom link is https://uis.zoom.us/j/84434731768?pwd=S3dTYlJkdlRkNCtRV1VOS0xUN2lNUT09.

5.4.23

Dear Faculty and Staff —

Following our comprehensive search for the College of Health, Science and Technology dean position, I have decided not to offer the position to either of the two finalists presented for consideration. While it is disappointing that this search did not yield a successful candidate, I believe it is in the university’s best interest to pursue a new search in the future.