The Department of History is pleased to announce that professor Jerry Dávila has been selected for the Presidential Fellows Program. Dávila holds the Jorge Paulo Lemann Chair in Brazilian History and is the Executive Director of the Illinois Global Institute.

This prestigious program supports faculty members in the University of Illinois System whose interests align with one or more of the system-wide strategic initiatives. As a Presidential Fellow, Dávila will serve as the director of the Brasillinois initiative and as an advisor to President Killeen and 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.