Dear Campus Community,
I am extremely honored to have received the University of Illinois Board of Trustees’ appointment today to become the associate vice chancellor and executive director of F&S. Being a part of this historic and dynamic campus in a leadership position for facilities, grounds, utilities, safety, and infrastructure management is genuinely humbling and comes with significant responsibilities and expectations.
Over the last two years, in the interim executive director role and as the director of the Capital Programs division, I have had the privilege of working with many of you on transformational projects and initiatives, helping to shape the future of higher education and supporting groundbreaking research. The unmatched U of I commitment to academic collaboration, innovation, and excellence is evident as we develop new ways to modernize classrooms and laboratories, enhance sustainability, improve accessibility, clean and maintain spaces, beautify landscapes and promote natural plantings, reduce energy consumption, and protect our most revered and enduring landmarks. Providing an inspiring, sustainable, and inclusive physical environment helps the university attract and retain the brightest students, faculty, and staff.
Involved in all of these efforts is an experienced, diverse, and talented team at F&S. I am incredibly fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated professionals who are always focused on providing superior customer service and being their best. Our people are devoted to helping reach campus strategic goals and completing organizational objectives, fulfilling our vision as a responsive, reliable, and highly valued service provider.
The university’s accomplishments over the last several years, including enabling in-person instruction and operations under evolving conditions, reinforce the importance of working together and demonstrate the tremendous impact that can be made through these vital relationships. I am committed to building on these partnerships and strengthening F&S’ engagement and responsiveness moving forward as a caretaker for this great campus.
I am excited about the opportunities ahead, and I look forward to meeting campus community expectations, overcoming challenges, and celebrating achievements on this journey with you.
Sincerely,
Ehab Kamarah, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director, Facilities & Services