Charles Lee Isbell Jr., an esteemed computer scientist and current provost at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been appointed as the 11th chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, as announced by U of I System President Tim Killeen. Isbell will officially step into this new role on August 1, pending approval from the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, and will begin in a designate capacity on July 16, as current Chancellor Robert Jones concludes his term.
Killeen highlighted that Isbell was selected following a comprehensive national search that showcased a diverse and talented pool of candidates. Throughout this process, Isbell distinguished himself with his academic expertise, leadership skills, collaborative nature, and a strong vision for the future of public higher education.
Killeen expressed optimism about Isbell’s potential, stating, “He has a clear, creative and inspiring vision for what public higher education can and should be.” This insight aligns with Isbell’s commitment to ensuring that the University of Illinois continues to excel as a hub of education and research.
Isbell brings over 20 years of higher education leadership and innovation experience. While serving as provost at Wisconsin, he advanced the university’s academic goals across various disciplines and initiated programs to bolster graduate education and research. He also previously held significant positions at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he contributed to establishing one of the largest and most diverse College of Computing programs in the nation, as well as developing its pioneering Online Master of Science in Computer Science program.
In his new role, Isbell will oversee a prominent public research university with a student body exceeding 56,000 and nearly 13,000 faculty and staff members. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and eagerness to serve the people of Illinois, aiming to champion learning, discovery, and community engagement.
Hailing from Atlanta, Isbell earned his bachelor’s from Georgia Tech and his master’s and Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, focusing his research on artificial intelligence and its applications in education and ethics. He is recognized as a Fellow of several prestigious organizations and has authored over 100 academic publications.
Additionally, Isbell is known for advocating for broader participation in STEM fields, influencing national dialogues on inclusion in technology education. His work has garnered attention from respected outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Isbell and his wife Sheila are proud parents to two children, Cody and Joni, as they embark on this exciting new chapter for both their family and the University of Illinois. This appointment heralds a hopeful future for the university as it continues to strive for innovation, excellence, and community impact.