Dr. Russell Morgan named associate vice president for Faculty Affairs

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. Ani Yazedjian has announced the appointment of Dr. Russell Morgan as associate vice president for Faculty Affairs (AVPFA), effective December 1, 2025. He replaces Dr. Craig Gatto, who will serve as interim associate vice president for Research through May 31, 2026.

In this role, Morgan will provide leadership and strategic direction for initiatives that enhance faculty success across the University. Reporting to Provost Ani Yazedjian, he will oversee the co-directors of the Center for Integrated Professional Development (CIPD), including the directors of Scholarly Teaching and Learning and the Office of Online Education and Learning (OEL) - units that support faculty in teaching, research, and professional growth.

As AVPFA, Morgan will collaborate closely with deans, department chairs, shared governance bodies, and academic unions to advance policies and programs that strengthen faculty development, equity, and engagement. His portfolio includes promoting excellence in teaching and scholarship, supporting faculty evaluation and advancement processes, and ensuring alignment with the University's strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2030.

"Faculty are at the heart of Illinois State's mission," said Dr. Ani Yazedjian, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. "Dr. Morgan brings extensive experience in academic leadership, labor relations, and faculty development that will be instrumental in shaping a supportive and thriving environment for our faculty. His deep understanding of higher education and commitment to collaboration make him the right person to transition into this important role."

Morgan joined Illinois State in July 2024 as its director of Academic Labor and Employee Relations. He had an integral role during the United Faculty of ISU (UFISU) negotiations and helped foster a positive working relationship that has been carried forward in the implementation of this first contract. He previously served as senior associate provost and associate vice president for Budget, Personnel, and Research at Western Illinois University (WIU). During various roles at WIU, he oversaw academic personnel processes, budget and resource planning, labor relations, and faculty development initiatives, in addition to serving as WIU's academic contract administrator, chief academic labor negotiator, and university grievance officer.

"It has been my honor to serve as the director of Academic Labor and Employee Relations at Illinois State, and I am excited for the opportunity to transition into this new role," said Morgan. "I look forward to working collaboratively with the Academic Affairs team as well as the staff in CIPD, and the faculty governance groups across campus to help keep ISU prospering and moving forward."

Morgan completed a three-year postdoctoral appointment at Cornell University after completing doctoral and master's degrees in experimental psychology at Kent State University and a bachelor's degree in psychology at Miami University in Ohio.