2.10.23

Dear Colleagues:

The Ceremony of Investiture on Wednesday provided memories that my family and I will treasure forever. What a wonderful experience to hear such incredible words of support for our amazing university from University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen, Board of Trustees Chair Don Edwards and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton — as well as the very meaningful personal remarks shared by Student Government Association President Kyle Stauder, Campus Senate Chair Celest Weuve and my former Truman State University colleague, President Sue Thomas.

Thank you so much to the employees who planned such a special and inspirational event, to the faculty who participated, to our amazing students who provided remarks and shared their musical talents, and to all who attended. And thank you to those who kept the business of running a university going while the ceremony took place.

During my remarks, I shared my aspirations for our university’s future. If you weren’t able to attend, you can watch a recording of the event and see a photo gallery on the investiture website.

I am so honored to be your chancellor, and Wednesday’s ceremony further confirmed my confidence in our collective ability to serve our students well, to teach and inspire them to be the leaders our world needs, and to keep creating room for everyone who wants to benefit from a UIS education.

Collectively, let’s believe in UIS, each other, and our ability to make BIG things happen!

Again, thank you for such a warm welcome into the UIS community.

Janet

Janet L. Gooch, PhD

Chancellor

University of Illinois Springfield