University of Illinois

Welcome from President White

B. Joseph White

When I became the 16th president of the University of Illinois in early 2005, I told our Board that I intended to work with the members of the University community and the people of the State of Illinois to create a vibrant future for this great institution.  To achieve that end, it is essential that we have an excellent strategic plan, one that builds on the legacy of success provided us by previous generations of faculty, students, and staff, and “combines academic excellence with an unprecedented commitment to innovation, quality, and service so that each campus and support organization is the best among its peers and is recognized as such.”

I am proud to say that the University community worked at a rapid pace from March 2005 through June 2006 to develop strategic plans for the University as whole (Stage 1); for the three University campuses, University Administration, University of Illinois Alumni Association, and the University of Illinois Foundation (Stage 2); and for each school, college, and major administrative unit (Stage 3).  As we move forward with execution of the plans, the Board of Trustees and I have agreed to focus our attention on five key priorities that emerged from this multi-stage planning process:

  • Develop UIUC into the nation’s preeminent public research university.
  • Develop UIC into the nation’s premier urban public research university.
  • Position the U of I Medical Center and health sciences colleges for the
        next quarter century.
  • Develop UIS into one of the nation’s top five small, public, liberal arts universities.
  • Successfully launch the Global Campus to offer a high quality, highly affordable
        and accessible U of I education to tens of thousands of Illinoisans and others
        unable to spend an extended period of time on one of our campuses.

Realizing each of these priorities will be dependent upon effective strategy execution at all levels of the University, which in turn requires effective and creative leadership, adequate resources, and appropriate accountability mechanisms.  I am pleased to say that we are making good progress in each of these areas and encourage you to check back periodically to see what developments are occurring as the University continues to move forward with execution of our plan.  Most importantly, I hope that you will join me as we enter a new and exciting phase of growth and change.  With the help of our dedicated, talented faculty and staff, Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders, I am confident that the University of Illinois will succeed and continue to be one of the great public research universities in the nation and the world.

Sincerely,

Questions or Comments about this?