Urbana-Champaign chancellor resigns

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Chancellor Phyllis M. Wise announced in a statement Thursday that she will resign as chancellor and university vice president effective Aug. 12. She will return to the faculty.

“During the last four years, I have worked with an extraordinary team to realize our vision to be ‘the pre-eminent public research university with a land-grant mission and global impact,'” Wise said. “We have accomplished a great deal. Importantly, we have established the foundation for the first ever engineering-driven College of Medicine. This is just one example of the success of our campus-wide effort to be pre-eminent in everything we do.

“Yet, external issues have arisen over the past year that have distracted us from the important tasks at hand. I have concluded that these issues are diverting much needed energy and attention from our goals. I therefore believe the time is right for me to step aside. I look forward to rededicating my efforts to teaching, research and service.”

University President Timothy L. Killeen accepted her resignation and commended Wise for her commitment to the university. He plans to name in interim chancellor within the next week, then search for a permanent replacement.

“Chancellor Wise’s energy and commitment to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have never flagged,” Killeen said. “In addition to other accomplishments too numerous to list, her vision and advocacy for a new College of Medicine represents a major contribution and provides for a lasting legacy.

“I anticipate a smooth transition in leadership and dedicate myself to working closely with internal and external stakeholder groups – faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and community leaders – during the process.”