Welcoming Interim Vice Provost Jim Hammerschmidt to Lead the Office of Global Engagement
Introduction
The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) is pleased to announce that James (Jim) Hammerschmidt will serve as Interim Vice Provost for Global Engagement beginning January 1, 2026. Hammerschmidt currently serves as Associate Vice Provost for Global Engagement and Executive Director of the Office of International Services and brings more than 35 years of experience in international education, including 22 years of dedicated service at the University of Illinois Chicago. His deep institutional knowledge and long-standing commitment to global inclusion position him well to lead OGE during this next chapter.
Throughout his career at UIC, Hammerschmidt has been a trusted advocate for international students, scholars, and employees, supporting a globally diverse campus community of more than 4,000 international students from over 100 countries. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing campus-wide global engagement efforts, strengthening international partnerships, and ensuring comprehensive support services for UIC’s international community. Known for his collaborative leadership style and student-centered approach, Hammerschmidt has played a vital role in shaping OGE’s mission and impact.
As Hammerschmidt steps into the interim vice provost role, OGE will continue to build on a strong foundation established under the leadership of Neal McCrillis, who will return to his faculty role in the Department of History after nearly nine years as the university’s inaugural vice provost for global engagement. The Office of Global Engagement looks forward to continued growth and innovation under Hammerschmidt’s leadership as UIC advances its commitment to global education, partnership, and student success. Learn more about Jim’s background and leadership on his profile page.