Chancellor Gooch has appointed Yanhui Guo, associate professor of computer science, as the chancellor’s associate for institutional artificial intelligence strategy and Katie Pavelko, program director of the student union, as the chancellor’s associate for professional development. The Chancellor’s Associate Program provides focused leadership on key university priorities while creating professional growth opportunities for faculty and staff and strengthening leadership capacity across UIS.

As chancellor’s associate for institutional artificial intelligence strategy, Guo will help coordinate university-wide efforts to support the responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) at UIS.

The role will focus on coordinating AI guidance and governance, connecting faculty, staff and students with AI resources and professional development, and identifying opportunities for responsible AI use in academic and administrative operations. Guo will also help strengthen collaboration across campus and connect UIS with University of Illinois System AI initiatives.

As chancellor’s associate for professional development, Pavelko will help coordinate and expand professional development opportunities for UIS faculty and staff. Key responsibilities include leading university-wide learning initiatives, chairing the RISE Professional Development Planning Committee and working with campus partners to improve access to training and development resources. The role will also focus on identifying gaps in current offerings and evaluating participation and engagement to guide future programming.