University of Illinois at Chicago names next chancellor

A University of South Carolina provost will be the next chancellor at University of Illinois at Chicago, UIC announced on Thursday.

Michael D. Amiridis, 52, must get formal approval from the board of trustees at their Jan. 15 meeting. He would take office March 16.

Amiridis would succeed Paula Allen-Meares, who will return to the faculty at Chicago's largest university. UIC faculty had voted for a "no confidence" resolution against Allen-Meares over what they said were changes in campus administration without their input.

University of Illinois President Robert Easter praised Amiridis' extensive leadership experience.

"Dr. Amiridis is an accomplished administrator on a flagship research campus, with a proven record of building academic and research excellence," Easter said in a statement.

Amiridis was chosen by Easter and President-elect Timothy L. Killeen from four finalists. The final four were recommended by an advisory committee that screened 55 candidates over several months.

Amiridis said in the same statement that he was honored to be named the new chancellor.

"With its rich history of success in high-quality education, in generation and application of new knowledge, and in community engagement, access and inclusion, UIC is well positioned for the future," he said.

UIC has 28,000 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, as well as 15 academic colleges.