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 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.

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.