It is my honor and privilege to serve as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Illinois Institute of Technology. I am a true believer in the vision and potential of this institution to have a significant and positive impact in Chicago, in the region, and across the world. Our mission to provide a world-class education to students who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to obtain one is just as valid today, if not more so, than when it was established at our founding in 1890. We are an opportunity engine and embrace inclusive innovation and education for all, including for those who might be the first in their families to pursue a college degree.
Whether by educating a diverse student body to meet workforce and societal needs through our signature “learn by doing” approaches, such as our one-of-a-kind Elevate program, or by developing new knowledge and technologies through purpose-focused research, Illinois Tech is driven to liberate the power of collective difference. In this way, we are committed to leveraging technology as a means for promoting equity and access for all. Indeed, our graduates receive an education that earns them among the highest returns on investment in Illinois and in the United States, and our students, faculty, staff, and alumni continue to develop innovations that are literally changing the way we live.
As a proud partner to our Bronzeville neighborhood, the greater Chicago area, and beyond, we ensure that our students are well prepared to meet not just the needs of today’s professions, but also those of tomorrow that have yet to be defined. For example, the recently established College of Computing is integrating foundational computational and data science skills across all of our curricula given the growing synergy between the physical and digital realms spanning many industries. Likewise, the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship is exposing all of our students to the entrepreneurial mindset so that they are well positioned to innovate in their careers no matter the path that they choose.
During my time at Illinois Tech, I have found our greatest strength to be the commitment and talents of our people, and I am grateful to work with such wonderful students, faculty, and staff. If you are new to Illinois Tech, I invite you to explore how our university can help you fulfill your dreams and aspirations! Whether as a student in one of our academic programs or as a new faculty or staff member, we are excited to have you join us in our mission of inclusive excellence and innovation.
Sincerely,
Kenneth T. Christensen, Provost
Illinois Institute of Technology