Dear colleagues:
I am very pleased to announce that Gretchen Lohman has accepted the role of senior director of University Academic Programs and Partnerships effective November 1, 2024, pending University of Illinois Board of Trustees approval.
Gretchen has served as interim assistant vice president for University Academic Programs and Partnerships since November 2023. She previously served as the senior assistant director for University Academic Programs and Services (UAPS). In her permanent role, Gretchen will oversee UAPS and the supporting units, as well as serve as the liaison with the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) and maintain working relationships with the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Community College Board for curricular alignment and articulation matters. She provides valuable leadership in advancing the academic affairs mission of the University of Illinois System and works closely with the three universities in the areas of program development, approval, and review. She is designated to provide advanced support to the executive vice president (EVP)/vice president for academic affairs (VPAA) in the efficient performance of the official duties of the EVP/VPAA.
The Salute to Academic Achievement event has grown significantly under Lohman’s leadership, and her team has supported a strong commitment to student accessibility from the U of I System universities. Over the last several months, she has led efforts to establish a partnership with One Million Degrees, which will enhance our support for prospective and incoming transfer students to our three universities. I have appreciated her advice and counsel on many matters of critical interest to the U of I System, including a number related to state legislation and IBHE. I look forward to our continued partnership.
Gretchen holds a bachelor’s degree in personnel/human resource management from the University of Northern Iowa, a master’s in counseling education from the University of Iowa, and a doctorate in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University.
Please join me in congratulating Gretchen on her permanent role.
All the best,
Nicholas P. Jones
Executive Vice President/Vice President for Academic Affairs