Marie Lynn Miranda UIC Chancellor | University Of Illinois At Chicago
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has announced several organizational and leadership changes aimed at supporting its mission and enhancing collaboration across the campus. The updates are intended to ensure UIC remains competitive within the higher education sector.
Sharron M. Evans, JD, will become vice chancellor for student affairs starting January 16, 2026. Evans currently holds the role of associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Iowa State University, where she oversees multiple departments and programs focused on student engagement, well-being, academic success, and inclusion. In her new position at UIC, Evans will manage a range of responsibilities including student support services, residence life, health and wellness initiatives, leadership development programs, civic engagement efforts, and career readiness activities.
"Evans and the entire Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs team will collaborate across campus to further advance student belonging, success, and holistic development," according to the announcement. Michael Ginsburg, PhD, was thanked for his service as special advisor to the chancellor while overseeing this office since July 2024.
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Strategic Partnerships is being dissolved. Its units and staff will be reassigned to different areas within UIC in order to align priorities more effectively. Government Relations and Advocacy functions will move under the Office of the Chancellor; Extended Campus operations and data science/AI strategy oversight will report to the provost; innovation-related centers—including corporate partnerships and entrepreneurship funding—will fall under the vice chancellor for research; shared finance and human resources staff will join the vice chancellor for finance; community collaborations shift to a newly established vice chancellor for engagement; Technology Solutions also moves under finance.
Thomas J. Royston, PhD., who served as interim vice chancellor for innovation and strategic partnerships since July 2024, will return to his previous academic post as professor and head of biomedical engineering.
Additionally, what was previously known as the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Equity and Diversity is being renamed as the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Engagement. This change emphasizes a dual focus: fostering internal community at UIC while strengthening external partnerships with Chicago. Lionel Allen Jr., EdD., who had been interim vice chancellor for equity and diversity since July 2025, has now been appointed as vice chancellor for engagement effective November 16.
Leadership transitions were also announced within clinical operations: Scott Jones has been named interim CEO of Hospital & Clinics following Mark Rosenblatt’s planned departure in January; Enrico Benedetti becomes interim executive dean of the College of Medicine.
"I am confident these organizational and leadership changes will enable UIC to further our mission to provide the broadest access to the highest levels of educational, research, and clinical excellence," stated university leadership in closing remarks.