(Radio Iowa) – The number two leader at the University of Illinois will cross the Mississippi River and take over the top spot at the University of Iowa. The Board of Regents selected 63-year-old Barbara Wilson today (Friday) to become the 22nd president. Regents president Michael Richards called for a motion to approve Wilson following a closed session to review the four finalists. Richards says her term will start on July 15th and go through June 30th of 2026 at an annual salary of 600-thousand dollars and also includes a five-year deferred compensation plan with annual contributions of 400-thousand dollars.

Barbara Wilson

Wilson spoke after the board voted unanimously to approve her. She thanked the board and says they will have a great working relationship. Wilson wore a gold jacket as she talked to the board. “I am excited, I am ready to roll up my sleeves, I am wearing the right color, I am really delighted, this is such a great honor,” Wilson says. She says she is anxious to get to work.

“We’re going to make the University of Iowa as good as it can be and even better,” she says. Wilson will replace Bruce Harreld, who is retiring She has served as executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs for the University of Illinois System since 2016.