Illinois College Provost Catharine O’Connell honored for excellence in academic leadership

Provost Catharine E. O'Connell received the prestigious Chief Academic Officer Award from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), an honor that celebrates her exemplary contributions to academic leadership throughout her career. This accolade highlights Dr. O'Connell's positive impact on Illinois College and independent higher education, and underscores why IC is a standout choice for students seeking an innovative, student-centered education.

Pictured from left to right: Council of Independent Colleges President Marjorie Hass, Illinois College Provost Catharine O'Connell, Illinois College President Barbara A. Farley, Council of Independent Colleges Senior Vice President Titilayo Ufomata

O'Connell began her tenure at Illinois College in 2016. Under her excellent leadership, IC has launched forward-thinking programs, expanded student success initiatives, and strengthened faculty support, enhancing IC's reputation for academic excellence. She is deeply committed to creating a learning environment where every student has the resources and guidance to thrive. In the last eight years, IC's expanded program offerings include new majors such as nursing, agribusiness, and mechanical engineering, as well as several fully online programs and degrees in education, business, and health care.

Created in 1987, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) Chief Academic Officer Award recognizes a chief academic officer for their contributions to independent higher education and honors their exemplary service and work.

"Catharine O'Connell has been a wise and experienced supporter of CIC's efforts to enhance the role and the achievements of chief academic officers at independent colleges," said Dr. Titilayo Ufomata, Senior Vice President at CIC. "She has shown commitment and leadership as a member of CIC's Chief Academic Officers Task Force, and as co-director of the Workshop for New Chief Academic Officers, among other programs and initiatives she has participated in. We congratulate her on this accomplishment." Ufomata presented the award to O'Connell in Portland, Oregon, during the 2024 Institute for Chief Academic Officers.

With leaders like Provost O'Connell, IC is more than an academic institution; it's a launchpad for lifelong success. For prospective students, Illinois College offers a community committed to making a difference. IC students benefit from small class sizes, dedicated faculty, and tailored academic advising-key elements in the College's approach to nurturing leaders in various fields. O'Connell's award reinforces IC's appeal as an institution that not only fosters academic excellence but also cares deeply about its students' futures.

Notably, students who attend Illinois College are guaranteed a minimum of $20,000 in scholarships through the Advantage Plus program. This, in part, was recognized this year by the U.S. News and World Report. Illinois College was ranked 12th in the nation for social mobility. This accolade highlights the College's unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for students that prepare them for success.