Marie Lynn Miranda UIC Chancellor | University Of Illinois At Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is beginning the new academic year amid a period of change and uncertainty in higher education. Chancellor Marie Lynn Miranda addressed students, faculty, and staff as campuses reopened, highlighting both challenges and recent achievements.
Miranda acknowledged ongoing national shifts affecting higher education institutions, including changes to federal funding, financial aid programs, health care financing, and policies for international students. She stated that UIC is "continuously and closely monitoring these developments and responding in real time in ways that protect our mission to provide the broadest access to the highest levels of educational research and clinical excellence."
Despite these uncertainties, UIC reported significant growth in student interest. Applications for fall 2025 increased by more than 15%, while transfer applications rose by 28%. The university was also recognized as an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Foundation for its commitment to high access and strong post-graduation earnings.
Miranda noted improvements in graduation and retention rates at UIC, which have contributed to closing equity gaps among students. In addition, five students earned Schweitzer fellowships this year. Faculty achievements included fifteen receiving NSF CAREER Awards and six being named fellows of the American Academy of Nursing.
UIC's research enterprise secured over $490 million in funding during the past year.
"Hey, Flames! It’s that time of year again. Our campuses are buzzing with new energy, fresh ideas, and the promise of a new academic year," Miranda said. "As much as I love summer, I am always excited about the start of a new academic year. At the same time, I want to acknowledge that we continue to navigate a shifting national landscape. We face uncertainty from changes in federal funding, financial aid, health care financing, and policies for international students. Please know that we are continuously and closely monitoring these developments and responding in real time in ways that protect our mission to provide the broadest access to the highest levels of educational research and clinical excellence."
"And even in the face of these challenges, UIC is on the rise. Just look at what we’ve accomplished. Applications for fall 2025 increased by more than 15%, and transfer applications jumped 28%. We were named an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Foundation, recognizing UIC for providing both high access and higher earnings after graduation."
"Graduation and retention rates continue to climb, closing equity gaps and advancing student success. Five UIC students earned prestigious Schweitzer fellowships. Fifteen faculty were awarded NSF CAREER Awards, and six were named fellows of the American Academy of Nursing. And our research enterprise brought in over $490 million in research funding this past year alone."