President Terri Goss Kinzy announced Jeannie Barrett has been named the next general counsel of Illinois State University. Barrett will begin her duties June 1, 2022, replacing Lisa Huson, who is retiring.  

“I wish to extend my gratitude to the search committee who brought a highly skilled pool of candidates for this position,” said Dr. Kinzy. “Ms. Barrett’s work made her a top candidate, and her interviews with her future cabinet colleagues and shared governance bodies across campus cemented her status as a great fit for Illinois State.” 

Barrett currently serves as the senior associate general counsel in the Office of Legal Affairs at Georgia State University, where she is the primary contact for areas such as employment, equity and civil rights, student success, and free speech.  Barrett earned an M.Ed. and J.D. from the University of Georgia. She has been a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys since 1998. 

The general counsel provides legal advice and representation to administrators, faculty, and staff regarding federal and state laws and regulations, and university policies and procedures.