UIS welcomes president-designate Michael J. Hogan during ceremony

UIS welcomed the 18th president of the University of Illinois during an announcement ceremony in the Sangamon Auditorium lobby on May 13, 2010.

Michael J. Hogan has been the president of the University of Connecticut since September 2007 and brings the experience of a four-decade career in public higher education to Illinois.

“This is a challenging time, but for me it’s a terrific opportunity because the University of Illinois is one of the world's jewels of public higher education at every single level,” said Hogan.

Hogan is an acclaimed historian who served as dean of the arts and sciences at The Ohio State University before becoming executive vice president and provost at the University of Iowa.

“I was very impressed that Dr. Hogan had done his homework relative to UIS. He came in impressed. The first thing he said to me was what a run you’ve had here,” said Richard Ringeisen, UIS chancellor.

Ringeisen showed Hogan around the campus and presented him with a UIS necktie that he wore during the ceremony. Hogan says he realizes the importance of the liberal arts education UIS offers, because he’s benefited from one himself.

“Standing here at this wonderful liberal arts college I know exactly how it touches you, what it means to you and I look forward to continuing and building on that tradition,” said Hogan.

As UConn president, Hogan successfully managed financial strains similar to those he will confront in Illinois.

“I’m looking forward, very much looking forward to addressing these challenges and mostly addressing them in partnership with the faculty, staff, students and the board of trustees,” he said.

Hogan was selected from a field of 208 candidates for the University of Illinois presidency and emerged as the top choice in the seven-month search because of his uncommon combination of scholarship, university leadership experience and achievement.

Read the official University press release on Hogan’s appointment

Watch the entire ceremony on UIS video on demand