Cheri Pettey tagged to lead Office for the Protection of Research Subjects

Cheri Pettey has been named Director of the Office for the Protection of Research Subjects (OPRS) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, pending approval from the Board of Trustees. Her first day of work is March 23, 2026.

Cheri holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy, two Master of Arts degrees in English and bioethics, and the Certified IRB Professional (CIP) credential. She has worked in human research protection programs and Institutional Review Board operations for more than 20 years, at the Ohio State University, the University of Chicago, and Advarra.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cheri to Illinois,” said Patty Jones, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Compliance. “She has risen through the ranks of IRB offices at other institutions to become the thoughtful leader that she is today.”

OPRS supports the federally mandated review of human subject research by our two IRBs (one focused on biomedical research and one focused on social and behavioral research) which together review more than 2,000 protocols a year. More than 700 Illinois faculty members are principal investigators of IRB protocols.

Pettey’s priorities for the coming year include engagement and outreach with the campus community and OPRS staff professional development.

“I am so excited to join the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign,” said Pettey. “I'm looking forward to getting to know the faculty and students, building on the strong foundation already in place, and strengthening a culture that supports thoughtful conversations about the ethical and practical complexities of human subjects research.”