A farewell reception will be held for Western Illinois University President Guiyou Huang from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, March 21 in the University Union Brattain Lounge on the Macomb campus. Remarks will be given at 3:30 p.m.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to extend their best wishes to Huang as he embarks on his next adventure. Come enjoy some light refreshments and capture a photo or two.

In 2020, Huang became WIU's 12th president, overseeing the campus's internationalization with a record number of international student enrollments. He successfully transferred WIU's 17 Division I Athletics programs to the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). Notably, Huang established the Office of JIDE (Justice, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) and launched the Anti-Racism Taskforce, composed of faculty, staff, students and community members. Additionally, Huang managed salary increases for both faculty and staff.

Prior to WIU, Huang served as the president of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and the chancellor of Louisiana State University of Alexandria. He earned his doctorate in English from Texas A&M University at College Station; completed graduate studies in English from Beijing University; and his bachelor's degree from Qufu Normal University. He is also a 2009 graduate of the Harvard Institute for Management and Leadership in Education, among other Harvard institutes.

The WIU community extends heartfelt thanks to Huang for his dedicated efforts in elevating the University. Under his leadership, WIU thrived with increased academic excellence, innovation and inclusivity. His commitment to student success, campus improvement and community engagement has left a lasting impact. As Huang concludes his term, we express gratitude for his leadership and look forward to continuing the legacy of progress he leaves behind.