Directory
Leadership
Kelly assists colleges and units across campus in developing their marketing and recruitment strategies. She is passionate about driving impactful campaigns and fostering meaningful connections. Kelly is a proud two-time alumna of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and has special interests in online education, market research, and marketing analytics. When she's not immersed in data and strategy, you'll find her spending quality time with her family or diving into a good book.
Allison Vance leads messaging for the university and assists with crisis communications. She supervises the institutional communications, media relations and News Bureau teams and manages the marketing and communications team for the Office of the Provost. She also teaches public relations courses in the department of advertising and is a proud two-time alumna (journalism and advertising) of the College of Media.
Andrew Gleason is a director, cinematographer, editor and producer who loves making movies. He leads a team that creates, produces and directs a variety of videos for both campus level communications as well as client requests from departments all over campus. In addition, Andrew helps to develop the Campus Video Database and the Campus Videographers. When he isn’t making movies, he is spending time sharing his love for stories, movies and books with his two children, Eva and Liam.
Stephanie Henry leads the Provost MarCom team in providing communications, marketing support, and strategy for the Office of the Provost. She has served as a communications and marketing professional at the university since 2013. When not at work, Stephanie enjoys spending time outside with her golden retriever, Murphy, hiking, and listening to live music (preferably outdoors).
August Schiess leads the marketing and branding for the university. She enjoys working with her teams in social media, marketing, web, and design to develop and execute strategic, branded campaigns and content to tell the Illinois story — and helping others do the same. Her hobbies include reading, running, and finding her next piece of chocolate.
Anna Simon is the director of Special Events, managing events hosted by the Chancellor, including Commencement and profile events. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and has over 25 years of experience planning events. Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and her dog.
Pam Steele is the executive assistant to the Associate Chancellor. As part of her role, she also leads all business and human resources activities for the unit. When she’s not working, she enjoys volunteering in her hometown of Tolono and spending time with her grandkids.
Rashmi Tenneti is the assistant chancellor for analytics and alignment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she oversees teams responsible for analytics, project management, process documentation, and professional development. Her work supports effective marketing and communications by helping university partners turn complex information into actionable insights through data, storytelling, and user-centered approaches. Rashmi is also a Ph.D. student in the School of Information Sciences, researching how data storytelling and user experience can improve communication and decision-making in higher education. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time with her dog, Puri, and exploring new destinations through their food and beaches.
Patrick Wade leads executive communications and supports the Chancellor’s speechwriting to promote consistent and compelling messaging to key stakeholders. He also assists with issue-specific communications and works with campus and System FOIA contacts to promote transparency. He is an avid reader and woodworker, and his greatest interests are whatever his kids are into on that particular day.
Katie Watson leads campuswide communications in close collaboration with colleges, departments and units. She also serves as the chief communications officer for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Operations and supports major projects for the Office of the Chancellor. Katie holds a master's degree in information science.
E. Todd Wilson oversees Multimedia Services, which includes Video Services, Photo Services and Big Ten Network non-athletic programming (documentaries) for the U of I. He also curates content on the campus homepage and in the online directory, A-Z list and calendars. Outside of work, he is an adventure motorcyclist, camper and friend of furry critters.