The search for Western Illinois University’s next president will initially focus on Interim President Kristi Mindrup.
Board of Trustees Chairperson Carin Stutz said trustees have received quite a bit of feedback about Mindrup from faculty, staff, donors, alumni, and the larger community. She said some suggest the board should forgo the search for a new president and name Mindrup to the post permanently.
Stutz said the board is not ready to do that yet. Instead, the board will continue to gather input about Mindrup.
“We will open dialogue with and receive feedback from our various constituent groups before any further decisions are made,” Stutz said.
“Review of Dr. Mindrup will be the first step in the search process.”
She said the board will use its retreat later this month to discuss how to gather further input.
Trustees will decide what direction to take with the search by their December meeting.
Stutz said Mindrup has been an open, inclusive, honest, and forthright leader.
“As trustees, we’ve also observed that Dr. Mindrup’s 27 years of experience at WIU has positioned her to lead with more insight into the complexity and depth of some of the problems facing the university than any other leader in recent memory,” Stutz said.
“The board is very grateful for Dr. Mindrup’s willingness to make the difficult decisions that are necessary as the university addresses its most serious current challenges.”
Those challenges include a budget deficit and declining enrollment.
Mindrup took over as interim president on April 1, 2024.
Her contract runs through June 30, 2025.
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