J.B. Bailey joined the iSchool on April 13 as coordinator of events. In this new role, he will be responsible for the development, management, and implementation of iSchool events. He will also provide support to the Communications and Marketing office.
Bailey has nearly 25 years of experience in student activities, planning a wide variety of events and programs. For the past 13 years, he has been with the Illini Union, first serving as the program advisor for the Parent & Family Programs Office and then as assistant director of programs, overseeing the Student Programs & Activities Office. Prior to joining the University of Illinois, he held positions at Saint Mary’s College in Indiana and Xavier University in Ohio.
"I cannot wait to jump in and get going," Bailey said. "I’ve never worked on the academic side of the house, so I’m excited for this new adventure. I hope to bring all my years of event planning, as well as advising and mentoring students, to be of great service to the entire iSchool community."
Outside of work, Bailey loves spending time with his wife and kids. They have four daughters: a 2024 graduate of the Grainger College of Engineering and civil engineer in Florida; a hairstylist in Bloomington; a U. of I. freshman who is a member of the Marching Illini and the women’s basketball Hoops Band; and a junior in high school. They also have a five-year-old son.