Please join me in thanking Denis Weil for his leadership and service to our university as dean of the Institute of Design. For the past five years Denis has led ID’s efforts to further elevate student success; to increase the groundbreaking contributions of ID faculty across teaching, research, and creative work; to maximize operational and student support work by ID’s staff; and to further activate ID’s Board of Advisors. Most recently, Denis has set ID on the track for continued success, working with faculty, staff, and board members to shape an institute-first strategy that will broaden ID’s impact. As his term draws to a close, we would like to thank Denis for his steadfast leadership and innovative vision in making ID a place where students are empowered to address some of today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.

We wish Denis the best of luck in his future endeavors in Israel, where he will spend more time with family and friends. Please join us for a farewell reception on Friday, January 21, 2022, in the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship from 3–5 p.m. Please RSVP here.

I am also pleased to announce that Anijo Mathew will serve as ID’s interim dean, effective January 1, 2022. Anijo has been a faculty member at ID for 11 years, having recently returned to ID after serving as head of the art and design department at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. A search for a new permanent dean will begin as soon as possible to ensure a seamless transition.

Sincerely,

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology