Presidential Fellows
The Presidential Fellows Program is sponsored by the Office of the President of the University of Illinois System. This program is designed to stimulate and facilitate projects by faculty members from across the System to help realize institutional goals. The faculty selected by the president as Fellows will work in close collaboration with the Office of the President and other System and university offices to develop projects that enhance the academic, research, economic development and civic engagement missions of the System. Learn more about the program.
Jerry Dávila
jdavila@illinois.edu | Biography
Jerry Dávila holds the Jorge Paulo Lemann Chair in Brazilian History at the University of Illinois. Dávila's research focuses on the influence of racial thought in public policy in Brazil, as well as the state and social movements in the twentieth century. As a Presidential Fellow, he will serve as the Director of The Brasillinois (Brazil-Illinois) Initiative and as an advisor to both President Killeen and the Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation, Jay Walsh, on matters relating to the initiative. His role will have special emphasis on developing and implementing a strategic vision for the initiative and fostering partnerships with Brazilian higher education and research institutions.
Pedro Hallal
phallal@illinois.edu | Biography
Pedro Hallal is a Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He served as the President of the Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil from 2017 to 2020. His primary area of research is physical activity and public health. Hallal has published more than 500 scientific articles, and his research has been funded by Brazilian and international agencies. As a Presidential Fellow, he will serve as a system representative and advisor to both President Killeen and the Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation (VPEDI), Jay Walsh, on matters relating to the Brasillinois Initiative, with special emphasis on fostering partnerships with Brazilian higher education and research institutions.