McKendree University President Signs New Contract Extension Ahead of Bicentennial
(LEBANON, Ill., February 17, 2023) – The McKendree University Board of Trustees, under
the direction of Chairman Dan Lett ‘91, are pleased to announce a multi-year contract
extension to President Daniel Dobbins ’81 through June 30, 2026.
“We are thrilled with the accomplishments at McKendree University over the past three
years,” Lett said. “Despite the challenges facing higher education, McKendree University
has made significant progress and continues to live out its mission. We are pleased
that President Dan Dobbins will continue his successful leadership of the University,
and we look forward to all McKendree University will accomplish in the coming years.”
President Dobbins is McKendree University’s 33rd president and is a 1981 graduate of the institution. He became president on January
1, 2020; however, the coronavirus outbreak postponed his official inauguration until
McKendree’s 193rd Founders Day in 2021. President Dobbins is married to fellow alumna, Mickey (Macaluso)
Dobbins ’81.
Under President Dobbins’ direction, McKendree University has accomplished much, including
developing and launching the UNITED strategic plan, launching the Clear Path admissions strategy, attaining a successful Higher Learning Commission Year 4 Accreditation
assurance review, providing a major transformation to Holman Library’s space with
a learning and technology center, and much more. The University also continues to
garner local and national prestige, including nods from U.S. News & World Report, Nursing Schools Almanac and more. Throughout his presidency, President Dobbins has
been active in numerous professional and civic organizations, including serving as
Chair of the Education Committee of the Leadership Council of Southwest Illinois,
Executive Committee Member of the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and
Universities (FIICU) and Treasurer of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).
After hearing of his extension, President Dobbins said, “It continues to be one of
Mickey’s and my greatest honors to serve McKendree University in this capacity. While
we couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished, we have much more to achieve
together as One McKendree.”
The announcement comes in time for the University’s 195th year, which will be celebrated at an all-new level during McKendree’s inaugural Founders
Week. During this time, McKendreans near and far will come together throughout the
week to celebrate the countless accomplishments the University and its community have
achieved, remember their roots and give back so that future Bearcats may continue
to learn and thrive.
In 2028, McKendree University will celebrate its 200th anniversary as Illinois’s first institution of higher learning. Ahead of this auspicious
date, President Dobbins is pleased to announce the formation of the 2028 Bicentennial
Steering Committee, which will be charged with developing programming, special events
and brand recognition to commemorate this historic event. The committee will be comprised
of University administration, trustees, alumni board, faculty, staff, students and
community members.
For more information, please visit www.mckendree.edu/onemckendree.
-McK-
