UIC Business Welcomes Alanna O’Connor, Assistant Dean for Student Recruitment

UIC Business wants incoming students to build their careers on solid ground, which is why special attention is devoted to prospective students so that even before matriculation, they have strong connections with faculty, current students, and the university’s array of career resources. “There is a network of support at UIC’s business college made up of people who care and are invested in your success,” says Alanna O’Connor.

O’Connor is the new Assistant Dean for Student Recruitment at UIC Business. She comes to UIC Business from the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic and Enrollment Services, where she served as both Director of Operations and Resource and Policy Analyst. Her background includes domestic and international student admissions work at DePaul University and the Illinois Institute of Technology. O’Connor has a strong sense of how UIC Business fits into Chicago’s college ecosystem.

A UIC alumna herself, O’Connor is the child of immigrant parents and was a first-generation college student. Her work for UIC has focused on providing broad access to college education at a public research university, a focus rewarded, she says, by the drive, work ethic, and talent that so many students bring to UIC. At UIC Business, she will tailor that focus to the careers of young business students. “It is a privilege to work for UIC Business and to be a part of our student’s success,” says O’Connor. “It is incredibly rewarding to help students begin or resume their college journey and to see them progress to their degree and their career goals beyond.”

O’Connor also has a great appreciation for Chicago and has plenty of advice about student life off-campus. Though she’s always called Chicago home, the city constantly offers her something new to explore. “Chicago is a city unmatched in its rich history and culture, architectural beauty, diversity, and friendliness,” she says. In her new role at UIC Business, O’Connor looks forward to welcoming students into both the business college and the city at large. Students are encouraged to reach out to her office and to take advantage of everything UIC Business offers. “Utilize the resources available to you: academic and career advisors, counseling services, and other student support services,” she says. “Talk to your faculty and instructors. And amidst the stressful college selection process, be certain to take time for self-care.”

Have questions about admissions at UIC Business? You can find our contact information here.