The University of Illinois Springfield has named Robert Mitchell as assistant vice chancellor of Facilities and Services, effective Oct. 16. He will serve in a designate capacity pending formal approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.
Mitchell brings more than two decades of experience in facilities management, construction and strategic planning to the role. He joined UIS in 2023 as director of construction, where he was responsible for overseeing long-term capital improvements, construction project planning and management, campus design standards and sustainability initiatives. In that capacity, he worked closely with campus stakeholders to plan and execute projects from concept to completion while improving operational efficiency and advancing UIS’ sustainability goals.
“I look forward to leading UIS as we transform our campus to meet the ever-changing needs of University students and faculty,” Mitchell said. “I hope to modernize our facilities to generate additional demand for programs critical to preparing the future workforce of our region and our state. Driving change while being a steward of university resources is my ultimate aspiration to protect the rich history of UIS for future generations.”
Before joining UIS, Mitchell served for more than 20 years as a civil engineer officer in the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel. As commander of the 183rd Civil Engineer Squadron, he led a team of about 100 personnel and directed a $150 million installation master plan that constructed or renovated more than 30 facilities and supporting infrastructure.
Mitchell’s background also includes serving as a civil engineer officer with the Multi-National Corps – Iraq, where he oversaw an $810 million facility and infrastructure construction program across 64 installations and developed construction strategies supporting the deployment of 25,000 U.S. troops.
A licensed professional engineer in Illinois, Mitchell earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
“I’m thrilled to officially welcome Bob into this role,” said Jill Wilberg, vice chancellor for finance and administration. “His deep background and proven expertise make him the right person to take on the complex challenges ahead. Bob has already demonstrated a strong understanding of our campus’s unique needs, and I’m confident he will lead the way in optimizing our facilities and space utilization. With his leadership, we’re poised to become a more efficient, responsive and future-ready campus.”