Letter from the Dean

The spring semester passed quickly, and we celebrated another graduation in May.

Graduation is a highlight of the academic year, marking the accomplishments of our students and new beginnings as they pursue careers or further education. We look forward to learning about their successes and take great pride in the many contributions of our alumni.

In addition to providing an exceptional education, the iSchool is committed to supporting the professional success of our students. This support includes offering opportunities for practical experience through internships and careers courses and by providing outstanding advising and career services. This issue of Intersections features new staff who have joined our advising team. These individuals act as essential partners for our students and a crucial resource as the iSchool continues to grow.

Our staff serve as the foundation for our School’s operational excellence. They work diligently, often behind the scenes, to ensure that our projects and processes run smoothly. When they are recognized at the campus level for a job well done, it is a cause for celebration. As shared in the story that follows, Christine Hopper, assistant to the dean for the iSchool, was named Boss of the Year by the Illinois Administrative Professionals organization. Christine has served our School for 15 years with enthusiasm and professionalism, and she is highly respected by our faculty and staff.

Our faculty are renowned as leaders in the field of information science, and their contributions advance the national and global prestige of our School. This issue of Intersections highlights recent faculty achievements, and I hope you have an opportunity to read each of them.

Our research continues to thrive, as evidenced by the number of projects, books, and conference and journal publications, several of which are included in the pages that follow. This research addresses important challenges in education, medicine, science, and technology as well as social issues, all in an effort to positively impact our world. I hope you enjoy reading about the depth and breadth of this work.

This year, we have yet another reason to celebrate: the 130th anniversary of our School, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of our PhD program. We are proud of our distinguished history, and we look forward to our School’s continued excellence in the years to come.