CHAMPAIGN —University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s Chancellor Charles Isbell is reflecting on the university’s accomplishments as the anniversary of his first year in office approaches.
He spoke at U of I’s board of trustees meeting on Thursday.
One of the many achievements outlined was that the Cancer Center at Illinois was designated as a Basic Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute.
A Basic Laboratory Cancer Center is a facility that does not treat patients directly, but rather almost exclusively deals with laboratory work and pre-clinical translations.
U of I’s designation was the first in almost 40 years, only the eighth in the country, and the only one in the state.
This designation will give the institution access to more resources, support and a larger network of working relationships to continue to move forward in cancer research.
“Illinois is uniquely positioned to lead these kinds of initiatives,” Isbell said. “And it is a privilege to be able to be in a state, and in a city, and in a university and a part of a system that enables us to do these things.”
Isbell also noted that this academic year, the university admitted the highest number of freshmen in U of I’s history, a total of 9,207 new students. This brought total enrollment to the largest number in U of I’s history as well, reaching 60,848 students.
U of I also had the highest number of students from Illinois more than any previous academic year. 6,587 freshmen students enrolled at the university are from Illinois, bringing the total of undergraduate Illinois residents to 27,978.
Isbell also mentioned the success of alumni. 93% of recent graduates found a job or enrolled in a graduate or volunteer program six months after graduation, a three percent increase from the previous year.
Isbell said that what he mentioned, is only a small portion of what the university has accomplished in the past year, and in the past 159 years since U of I’s establishment.
42 weeks ago, Isbel entered the U of I’s Board of Trustees meeting ready to listen and learn from those around him.
“My plan is to come back here next fall with goals that are specific, measurable, and ambitious, and to continue the conversation with you about what we can all do together,” he said.
These goals are directly related to his new strategic plan for the university.
After gathering input from faculty and staff, students and alumni, civic leaders and community members, Isbell is preparing to bring the university to the forefront of progress.
“The story of this institution has always been about leading, not for prestige and for awards, although it’s nice to have those, but because what we want to do is to serve those who rely on us now and those who rely on us in the future,” he added.
“That’s why the most important part of reflecting on this past year is actually turning our focus towards the future.”