PUBLICATIONS Inside Illinois Vol. 20, No. 5, Sept. 7, 2000

Aiken contributes much to campus

Becky Mabry, Assistant Editor
(217) 244-1072; mabry@illinois.edu

Chancellor Michael Aiken, an internationally-recognized sociologist and former provost of the University of Pennsylvania, has undertaken a number of major initiatives since assuming his position as chief administrative officer of the UI campus.

"Michael Aiken has been a terrific chancellor, working tirelessly and effectively to preserve and enhance the quality of the campus," said UI President James J. Stukel. "Conceiving and implementing improvements in undergraduate education, vigorous pursuit of fund raising and public partnerships, success at rebuilding bridges to the Champaign-Urbana community and championing of competitive faculty salaries are the hallmarks of the Aiken era."

Shortly after becoming chancellor, Aiken initiated a comprehensive study of the campus’s needs that grew into a strategic plan -- "A Framework for the Future." The plan led to many successful initiatives, including efforts to strengthen undergraduate education and maintain competitive salaries for graduate students and faculty members. Aiken also has been intimately involved in efforts to raise more than $1 billion in funds, create Partnership Illinois, enhance the campus’s involvement in international programs, strengthen relationships with Champaign and Urbana, and develop a research park that will promote beneficial relationships for students and faculty members.