Committee Members
- Lauren Karplus, College of ACES, Chair
- Brian Dill, College of LAS
- Stephen Downie, The iSchool
- Phillippe Geubelle, Grainger College of Engineering
- Christine Gozdziak, Gies College of Business
- Daniel Katz, National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA)
- Hellen McDonald, School of Social Work
- Lowa Mwilambwe, Student Affairs
- Kevin Hamilton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation
- Beth Scheid, Technology Services
- Gisela Sin, College of LAS/ Illinois Global Institute
- Elizabeth Spark, Graduate College,
- Ross Wantland, Office the Vice-Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- M. Allison Witt, College of Education
- Mike Yao, College of Media
- Luis Canales, Illinois International, ex officio
- Sammer Jones, Illinois International, ex officio
Charge Letter
Dear Colleagues,
I trust you had a restful Summer. I thank you for your willingness to serve on the Illinois International Advisory Committee for the 2025-2026 academic year. I thank you especially for your hard work in the past year, as reflected in the attached copy of the Committee’s report – full and abridged. Assistant Director of the ACES Office of International Programs, Lauren Karplus will serve as the chair of this committee for the current year.
In light of the changing landscape impacting international higher education, the format of the committee will differ from previous years. Whereas in the past subcommittees addressed specific topics, the 2025–2026 IIAC will operate as a single, cohesive body. To enable the committee to remain nimble and responsive as issues emerge, each meeting will be thematically focused and informed by current or emerging issues that may require urgent attention.
The committee serves as an advisory group to the Associate Chancellor and Vice Provost for Global Affairs and Strategies, offering guidance on a wide range of international and global issues across our campus. As a member, you will contribute to shaping our global engagement strategy by sharing your insights, expertise, and perspectives from your college and professional experience.
The IIAC will meet four times during the academic year. Active participation in these meetings is essential, as is a strong understanding of your college’s global priorities. In addition to scheduled meetings, the committee may be called upon to provide input on pressing international opportunities and challenges.
Per the by-laws, your appointment on the Advisory Committee is for staggered terms of 2-3 years, some renewable, with the appointments effective August 16 of each academic year. The entire Advisory Committee will meet four times over the course of the academic year, twice in the Fall and twice in the Spring.
By agreeing to serve on this committee you are expected to actively participate and attend all scheduled meetings and serve on at least one sub-committee. Should you not be able to participate on a regular basis, please notify the committee chair as soon as possible. Ms. Debbie Lowe Morgan (morgand@illinois.edu) in Illinois International will serve as the staff member for this Advisory Committee.
Thank you for your commitment to the University’s global mission. I am confident that your participation will strengthen our work and expand our impact both nationally and internationally.
Sincerely,
Reitumetse Obakeng Mabokela
Associate Chancellor Vice-Provost for Global Affairs and Strategies