Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to announce that Colleen Murphy has been appointed vice provost for global engagement to lead Illinois International. The appointment is effective August 16, pending Board of Trustees approval.
Professor Murphy has served as interim associate chancellor and vice provost for global affairs and strategies since October 20, 2025. In this interim capacity, she has been responsible for coordinating and advancing the university’s international activities, working in close collaboration with campus and system leadership.
Over the past nine months, Professor Murphy has led ongoing initiatives, contributed to institutional planning for global engagement, and coordinated responses to emerging international matters. In her interim role, she has strengthened connections between Illinois International and academic units, fostering more consistent collaboration in support of global initiatives.
Professor Murphy is a tenured professor of Law and currently serves as the Roger and Stephany Joslin Professor of Law, and will soon be completing her service as associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Law. She holds courtesy appointments in Philosophy and Political Science. Prior leadership roles include chair of the Illinois Scholars at Risk Program committee, director of the Center for the Study of Global Gender Equity within the Illinois Global Institute (IGI) and acting executive director of IGI.
Her research focuses on moral, political, and legal theory. She has authored two books, co-edited four books, and authored or co-authored more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, law review articles, and book chapters.
Professor Murphy holds a master’s and Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor’s from the University of Notre Dame.
I thank Professor Murphy for providing leadership during the interim period. I am confident, through her thoughtful approach, effectiveness across units, and ability to navigate complex issues, she will continue to provide strong leadership for Illinois International and the university.
Please join me in welcoming Vice Provost Murphy into her new role in Illinois International.
Sincerely,
John Coleman
Provost