University of Illinois

Email to the University of Illinois at Chicago community

July 24, 2008

Dear UIC Students, Faculty and Staff,

I extend my most sincere thanks to the Board of Trustees for today's vote approving me as the new Chancellor of the University of Illinois at Chicago, and to President White and the Search Committee for the confidence they have shown in me. I truly believe I am taking on one of the best jobs in higher education in this country.

I am proud to be the new Chancellor of this remarkable campus. UIC is an essential and dynamic institution, with many new and exciting facilities for teaching, research, living, and recreation; expanded educational and research programs; and a thoughtful strategic plan to guide its future. UIC's mission, as embodied in the Great Cities Commitment, reflects my own deeply held beliefs about the importance of strong academic values, collaboration, and engagement. The growth of the research enterprise at UIC in recent years has been extraordinary, as have the improvements in the campus environment and student life. The Brilliant Futures Campaign is extremely important to our future.

My official start date is January 16, 2009. During the next six months, I will transition between my current position at the University of Michigan and the Chancellorship, and complete a number of major projects, including articles, books, and a grant proposal. I will be in close contact with Interim Chancellor Rick Gislason, Provost Michael Tanner, and other campus leaders on a constant basis during this period, including coming to campus for meetings. I look forward to hitting the ground running when I arrive. UIC is fortunate to have such a strong leadership team in place.

UIC's foundation is solid, our sights are set high, and our future is very bright. Ours is a university that makes a profound difference in the lives of many thousands of people in Chicago, Illinois and around the globe, and it will be a great privilege to join such a university as Chancellor. Thank you again, and I look forward very much to working with all of you.

GO FLAMES!

Sincerely,
Paula Allen-Meares