Former UI System President Stanley O. Ikenberry died Tuesday at the age of 90. Ikenberry served from 1979 to 1995, marking the longest tenure served by a UI System president. He later served as interim president in 2010.
Ikenberry passed away peacefully at his home in Boca Grande, Florida, according to The News-Gazette.
“Dr. Stanley O. Ikenberry was an enduring, visionary leader who shaped the trajectory of the University of Illinois and all its students, faculty, staff and alumni for generations to come,” said Chancellor Robert Jones in an email to The Daily Illini. “His work continues to impact anyone who enjoys the benefits of an accessible, high-quality education and the innovations that make our state and nation a better place.”
Ikenberry received a bachelor’s degree from Shepherd College in 1956. He continued his studies at Michigan State University, where he earned master’s and doctoral degrees in education in 1957 and 1960, respectively.
He served as the dean of the College of Education and Human Services at West Virginia University and senior vice president of The Pennsylvania State University before joining the UI System.
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At age 44, Ikenberry took office as the 14th president of the UI System, becoming the youngest in history to fulfill the role.
Ikenberry accomplished a number of feats during his tenure. He consolidated the Medical Center and Chicago Circle at the University of Illinois at Chicago, oversaw the development of the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and established the President’s Award Program for underrepresented students in the UI System.
After resigning from his presidency, Ikenberry fulfilled a series of roles, including president of the American Council on Education. He was also recognized as emeritus president and regent professor by the Board of Trustees in 1995.
In 2008, the University opened Ikenberry Commons, a complex of dining and residential halls to honor Ikenberry’s many years of service.
“His wisdom and passion for education is an inspiration to many, and his loss is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Jones said.
