Neal R. McCrillis

Affiliations & Roles

Neal R. McCrillis serves as Associate Professor of History and Vice Provost for Global Engagement at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), leading internationalization efforts. He previously held the Mildred Miller Fort Foundation Eminent Scholar Chair in International Education and Associate Professor roles at Columbus State University (CSU), where he spearheaded initiatives recognized with the NAFSA Simon Award.

Education

PhD in History from UIC (1993), focusing on British conservatism. Holds a BA from Vanderbilt University and studied at Leeds University through their abroad program.

Research & Interests

Specializes in British responses to Americans during WWI (planned book: Cowboys into Yanks). Explores WWI memorials, Cold War British film, and international education strategies. Current teaching includes modern British/Irish history and Nazi Germany.

Professional Contributions

Chair of NAFSA Simon Award Committee (2015-2016), led U.S. Georgia’s international education councils, and advised institutions like Albany State University on internationalization programs.

Awards & Grants

• Recipient of NAFSA Simon Award (2014)
• Secured $364K for CSU’s Oxford Visiting Scholar apartments (2012)
• Received Mildred Miller Fort Foundation grants for study abroad scholarships

Labs & Teams

Oversees UIC’s Global Engagement initiatives and directed CSU’s Center for International Education, managing programs including CSU in Oxford.