12.2.24

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As the holiday season draws near, I’m reminded of the many things that make UIS so special—our traditions, our stories and our incredible community.

I recently had the opportunity to join students from the UIS Baking Club to decorate cookies and share holiday traditions. Together, we reflected on the unique stories that unite us as Prairie Stars. These moments remind me that while our individual journeys may differ, our shared hopes and values bring us together as one community.

11.25.24

It is hard to believe the holidays start this week! I’ll be enjoying time with my family, and I hope you have a chance to enjoy some well-deserved rest and time with loved ones.

Dear Faculty and Staff —

The following announcement regarding 2025 Commencement was sent to students via email this afternoon.

11.20.24

Dear Students —

11.18.24

Dear Faculty and Staff, 

I am excited to introduce a new website for our strategic visioning initiative, NorthStar.

NorthStar is our guide to operationalizing the Strategic Compass as we seek to position UIS to be a more resilient, adaptable and market-aligned academic institution through strategic, action-focused priorities. This site will be built out further as we make progress on our action items.

Our NorthStar priorities for AY24-25 are:

11.11.24

Happy Veterans Day to the individuals in our campus community who have served our country. We appreciate your sacrifices for the wellbeing of our freedom. Thank you to everyone who helped mark this important day by tying yellow ribbons on the trees around campus and for attending today's flag-raising ceremony and reception.

11.1.24

Dear UIS Community,

As we approach Election Day, Nov. 5, I want to emphasize the importance of being prepared to participate in our democracy by having a voting plan in place. It’s crucial for each of you to know when and where you will cast your vote.

10.28.24

Good afternoon—

10.16.24

Dear Faculty and Staff —

I hope you are planning to join us today at the Fall Employee Information Session from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Brookens Auditorium. Presenters will include myself and vice chancellors Vickie Cook and Ken Kriz. We also will have the opportunity to hear from Nick Jones, executive vice president and vice chancellor for academic affairs for the U of I System, and Paul Ellinger, U of I System CFO and comptroller. There will be time for questions following the presentations.

10.14.24

Happy Monday, UIS! 

10.7.24

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Please join me and other members of the Chancellor’s Cabinet at the Fall Employee Information Session, beginning at 3 p.m. Oct. 16 in Brookens Auditorium. During this session, you will hear from me and vice chancellors Vickie Cook and Ken Kriz about our university’s priorities and strategic initiatives, including enrollment and budget.

Following the presentation, we will open the floor for a Q&A. I hope you can join us for this important conversation. If you cannot attend, a recording will be available at a later date.