Studio Portrait of William Bernhard

William Bernhard

Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost
bernhard@illinois.edu
(217) 333-6677

Assistant:
Theresa Beckett
tbeckett@illinois.edu
(217) 244-4115

As the Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, Dr. Bernhard oversees the campus’ academic programs, policies, and priorities, which are designed to ensure the quality of the educational experience for students and to sustain an environment that encourages and supports academic excellence through diversity, inclusion, and free inquiry, debate, and speech. In this role, he works closely with the chancellor, the other vice chancellors, the deans of academic colleges and other units, academic staff, the Senate of the Illinois campus, and various committees in setting overall academic priorities for the campus.

William holds a B.A. in government from Cornell University, and a M.A. and Ph.D in political science from Duke University. His most recent book, Legislative Style (University of Chicago Press, 2018), investigates how members of Congress allocate their time and effort across different activities. His research examines the strategic choices of political actors, including how parties manage candidate nominations, and how the potential for immigration across borders shapes foreign policy choices. His work has been recognized with several best paper awards, including the 2015 Patrick J. Fett Award and the 2014 Jewell-Lowenberg Award.

Prior to being named Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost, Dr. Bernhard was the Executive Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. He was previously Associate Provost for Faculty Development from January 2015 through May 2017, as well as Interim Executive Associate Dean for the College of Media from May 2016 through May 2017, when he was appointed Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. Before joining the Provost’s Office, he served as the Head of the Department of Political Science (2007-15). In 2014-15, he was an Associate in the Center for Advanced Study.