Tucker chosen as the Universitys Vice Provost

Charles L. Tucker III, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the College of Engineering, has been appointed as the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Innovation for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“Having worked closely with Chuck for almost five years, I can say that he will be missed as a member of the College of Engineering’s leadership team,” stated Michael Bragg, interim dean of the College of Engineering.

“As Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Innovation, Chuck will help set the strategic direction for the undergraduate student experience at Illinois,” Bragg added. “He’s already done that for the College of Engineering—supporting improvements to students’ educational experiences through programs like iFoundry and IEFX, recruiting the best-qualified underrepresented students, establishment of the CARE study center, and overseeing a 34% growth in engineering undergraduate enrollment. I thank him for his excellent work in the College as he has skillfully led significant change and improvement for all of our undergraduates.”

Tucker, who is the Alexander Rankin Professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering (MechSE), earned his SB, SM, and PhD in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He joined the Illinois faculty as an assistant professor in 1978, and was named a full professor in 1989. He has also served as MechSE’s Associate Head for Undergraduate Programs, prior to joining the College’s administrative team.

Senior Assistant Dean Umberto Ravaioli will serve as Interim Associate Dean upon Chuck’s departure. Ravaioli, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, has also been instrumental in our undergraduate enrollment growth. He leads the James Scholar program in the College and supervises academic advising, petitions, and degree certification. In 2011, he received the Campus Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising.

Tucker will join the Office of the Provost on February 1, 2013, pending approval of the Board of Trustees. 
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Photo by L. Brian Stauffer

If you have any questions about the College of Engineering, or other story ideas, contact Rick Kubetz, writer/editor, Engineering Communications Office, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 217/244-7716.