Provost Charles Isbell Jr. Leaves UW-Madison: What His Move to the University of Illinois Means for Higher Education

Charles Isbell Jr. has been named the new chancellor of the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and vice president of the University of Illinois System. This appointment was announced today by President Tim Killeen. Until a new provost is chosen, Senior Vice Provost John Zumbrunnen will take over Isbell’s duties at UW-Madison.

Isbell expressed his excitement about the role, calling it the “honor of a lifetime.” He thanked Killeen and mentioned he looks forward to serving the citizens of Illinois while supporting learning, discovery, and economic development.

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin of UW-Madison described Isbell’s departure as bittersweet. She praised his leadership and intellect during his time as provost, which lasted two years.

While in this role, Isbell launched the Wisconsin Research, Innovation, and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) program. He also focused on hiring new deans and addressing funding issues at the university. Before joining UW-Madison, he spent over 20 years at Georgia Tech, where he served as the dean of the College of Computing.

Isbell’s move reflects a broader trend in academia. Many universities are prioritizing leaders who understand the intersection of technology, research, and education. This shift is important as institutions adapt to rapid changes in technology and society.

According to a recent survey by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, around 80% of universities are investing more in research and innovation. This aligns with Isbell’s goals and the needs of today’s educational landscape.

As Isbell prepares for this new chapter, his leadership will likely play a crucial role in shaping the future of the University of Illinois and its community.



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