Marie Lynn Miranda UIC Chancellor | University Of Illinois At Chicago
Neal McCrillis, who has served as vice provost for global engagement at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) for nearly nine years, will step down from his administrative role at the end of this year. McCrillis plans to return to research and teaching as a member of the history faculty.
McCrillis was the first person to hold the position of vice provost for global engagement at UIC. During his tenure, he helped unify several offices into a single Office of Global Engagement. Under his leadership, UIC developed and implemented two internationalization strategies, strengthened partnerships with institutions abroad, expanded study abroad opportunities, and increased support for faculty international initiatives.
His efforts led to a doubling in the number of students participating in study abroad programs and growth in international collaborations. He also worked to expand scholarships available to both study abroad and international students.
James (Jim) Hammerschmidt will take over as interim vice provost for global engagement starting January 1, 2026, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Hammerschmidt has been with UIC since 2003 when he joined as executive director of the Office of International Services. He has served as associate vice provost for global engagement since 2017 and has more than 35 years’ experience in global engagement activities.
A national search for a permanent replacement will begin after the appointment of UIC’s next provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.
The university expressed gratitude to McCrillis for his service and welcomed Hammerschmidt in his new interim role.