Illinois State University Executive and Leadership Team

Karen Pfost, the Chief Executive Officer at Illinois State University, directs the overarching strategic vision and institutional growth. Pfost manages high-level administrative operations to ensure the university maintains its status as a premier public institution. By aligning academic goals with fiscal responsibility, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes resource allocation across all departments. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to implement long-term policies that enhance the student experience. Karen Pfost drives initiatives that expand the university's reach within the North American education sector. Through rigorous oversight of institutional performance, Pfost secures the financial and operational stability required for academic innovation. The Chief Executive Officer also champions philanthropic efforts to support future generations of learners. By fostering partnerships with external stakeholders, Pfost strengthens the university's market position and ensures the continued delivery of high-quality academic programs to a diverse student body.

Katherine Lewis, the President at Illinois State University, leads the institution's academic mission and fosters a culture of excellence in teaching and research. Lewis directs the university's strategic planning, ensuring that academic programs meet the needs of a diverse student body. By overseeing the faculty and administrative staff, the President cultivates an environment where 85% of classes are taught by professors, emphasizing high-quality instruction. This leadership role involves engaging with the community to promote philanthropy and support student success initiatives. Katherine Lewis drives the university's reputation as a leading public institution, expanding its influence across the region. Through active collaboration with the Board and other executives, Lewis shapes policies that enhance the student experience and promote institutional growth. The President also champions the university's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that students from all backgrounds find a supportive and vibrant community, ultimately securing the long-term academic and social impact of the institution.

Larry Dietz, the President at Illinois State University, manages the university's external relations and institutional advancement efforts. Dietz directs the development of partnerships that enhance the university's profile and secure funding for academic programs. By overseeing the university's public image, the President ensures that the institution remains a top choice for students seeking a strong learning environment. This leadership role involves advocating for the university's interests at the state and national levels to support educational funding and policy development. Larry Dietz drives initiatives that strengthen the connection between the university and its alumni, fostering a culture of lifelong engagement and philanthropy. Through strategic oversight of campus development, Dietz ensures that the physical and intellectual infrastructure supports the university's mission. The President also works to expand the university's reach, ensuring that the institution continues to serve as a vital hub for education and community development within the broader public university system.

Aondover Tarhule, the President at Illinois State University, oversees the academic integrity and operational excellence of the university's vast array of programs. Tarhule directs the implementation of innovative curricula that prepare students for success in a competitive global market. By managing the academic leadership team, the President ensures that the university maintains its high standards for teaching and research. This leadership role involves fostering an environment that encourages student organizations and extracurricular involvement, contributing to a vibrant campus life. Aondover Tarhule drives the university's commitment to academic rigor and student support, ensuring that every student has access to the resources needed to thrive. Through strategic decision-making, Tarhule aligns the university's academic offerings with the evolving demands of the workforce. The President also promotes a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that the institution remains at the forefront of public education by consistently delivering high-quality academic experiences to all students.

Isabella Lam, the President at Illinois State University, leads the university's efforts in student recruitment and international engagement. Lam directs the expansion of programs designed to attract a diverse student body, including international students from various backgrounds. By overseeing the admissions and student services departments, the President ensures that the university provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all learners. This leadership role involves developing global partnerships that enhance the university's international presence and academic reputation. Isabella Lam drives initiatives that support student retention and success, ensuring that the university's mission of providing a strong learning environment is realized for every student. Through strategic outreach, Lam strengthens the university's position as a destination for academic excellence. The President also collaborates with faculty to integrate global perspectives into the curriculum, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of a globalized world, ultimately enhancing the university's overall impact and reach.

Mark Walbert, the Chief Technology Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer at Illinois State University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern academic research and administrative efficiency. Walbert oversees the integration of advanced computing systems to facilitate seamless learning environments for students and faculty. By managing complex network architectures, the Chief Technology Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures robust data security and system reliability across the campus. This role involves coordinating with academic departments to deploy technology that enhances classroom engagement and research productivity. Mark Walbert drives the digital transformation strategy, enabling the university to remain competitive in a technology-driven educational landscape. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, Walbert supports the institution's broad operational scale. The Chief Technology Officer & Deputy Chief Information Officer also monitors emerging trends to maintain a cutting-edge technological foundation, ultimately empowering the university to achieve its mission of academic excellence through innovation.

Baz Abouelenein, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Illinois State University, manages the comprehensive information technology ecosystem and data governance frameworks. Abouelenein directs the deployment of enterprise-wide software solutions that streamline administrative workflows and improve student services. By overseeing the IT department, the Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer ensures that all digital resources align with the university's core academic objectives. This leadership role involves managing large-scale technology projects that enhance connectivity and accessibility for the entire campus community. Baz Abouelenein drives the adoption of secure, high-performance computing environments to support diverse research initiatives. Through strategic planning, Abouelenein optimizes the university's technological footprint to meet the evolving needs of international and domestic students. The Associate Vice President & Chief Information Officer also collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate technology into the broader institutional strategy, ensuring that digital assets consistently contribute to the university's long-term growth and operational success.

Daniel Taube, the Interim Associate Vice President and Interim Chief Information Officer at Illinois State University, maintains the continuity of critical information systems and technology services. Taube oversees the daily operations of the IT division, ensuring that all digital platforms remain functional and secure for faculty and students. By managing technical support teams, the Interim Associate Vice President and Interim Chief Information Officer facilitates the smooth delivery of academic and administrative services. This role involves addressing immediate infrastructure challenges while preparing for long-term technological upgrades. Daniel Taube drives efficiency by refining existing processes and optimizing system performance across the university. Through careful resource management, Taube supports the institution's commitment to a high-quality learning environment. The Interim Associate Vice President and Interim Chief Information Officer also coordinates with various departments to ensure that technology remains a reliable tool for academic success, ultimately stabilizing the university's digital operations during this transitional period of leadership.