CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Charles Isbell is one step closer to starting his new role at the University of Illinois.

The U of I Board of Trustees approved his appointment as the 11th chancellor on Monday, although he won’t start serving until current Chancellor Robert Jones finishes his term next month. 

Isbell is a former computer scientist and provost at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He didn’t go to the U of I as a student, but he said he’s long been invested in the school.

He’s excited to have the chance to shape its future and continue its legacy of excellence. 

“This is a great place, it has been a great place like I said, for a very long time,” Isbell said. “There is a wonderful future that we can lead, and I’m very much looking forward to being part of this community.”

He will formally assume the role in August. Isbell said, in the meantime, he’s looking forward to connecting with students on the racquetball and ultimate frisbee courts.

“I hope [people] recognize me as someone who really cares about his place, really cares about the mission, really cares about what it can do and that they see me as approachable as someone they can talk to,” Isbell said. “I  want to talk to them and I want to hear what they have to say.”

Isbell said people can also expect to see the self-proclaimed “huge college sports fan” to be cheering on the orange and blue in Memorial Stadium and beyond.