President's Perspective

Esteemed Millikin Community Members:

Today, I find myself with the unique opportunity to share my thoughts with you from a special corner of the magazine, in a space ordinarily reserved for the University’s President. As Board Chair and a proud Big Blue alumnus from the Class of 1981, I do not take this privilege lightly. It is my honor to continue to serve my alma mater and to share the good work of the institution and its people.

By the time you receive this issue, you will have likely heard that the Board of Trustees has unanimously confirmed the election of Dr. Dean Pribbenow as Millikin University’s 17th President. In addition to my role as Board Chair, it was my pleasure to also serve as Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, helping to facilitate a thorough and inclusive search process that ensured that Millikin University is served by a dynamic, inspiring and collaborative leader who will embrace the University’s mission, vision and values; communicate with transparency and integrity; and steer the institution toward success. I strongly believe that Dr. Pribbenow’s breadth of knowledge and experience prove him to be that person, and I am thrilled to welcome him as our newest President. 

Dr. Pribbenow comes to us from Elmhurst University, where he currently serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty. I speak with Dr. Pribbenow regularly, and I am happy to report that he is just as excited to join us at Millikin as we are to have him as part of the Big Blue family. Dr. Pribbenow has over 20 years of experience in academic leadership, strategic fundraising, budget management and decision-making, and I am eager to see the positive impact he makes on our beloved institution. 

With his energy and passion, a commitment to the University’s strategic vision, and the united support of our full network of constituents, I am certain that Dr. Pribbenow will have the perfect tools to build upon the University’s historic foundation, strengthen our current position and propel us into a prosperous future.

Dr. Pribbenow succeeds Dr. Jim Reynolds, who stepped down from his position as Millikin’s 16th President in early March, in advance of his previously announced retirement on June 30, 2025. 

Under President Reynolds’ leadership, Millikin devoted itself to nurturing the success of students, faculty, staff and the Decatur community in new and innovative ways. The University created its newest strategic plan, “The Millikin Difference”; implemented the Millikin Tuition Promise and Big Blue Pledge: Illinois Free Tuition Program; streamlined the transfer admission process by creating articulation agreements with several community colleges; and developed several state-of-the-art facilities that have proven instrumental in nurturing student success.

Following President Reynolds’ departure, as Chair of the Board of Trustees, I stepped into the role of Acting President until a longer-term appointment to the position could be made. After much discussion and contemplation, the Board settled on the individual we believe is best equipped to lead our University during this time of transition. Millikin will be in the very capable hands of Mary Black, who will serve the institution as its Acting President until President-Elect Pribbenow’s arrival in July. 

Mary has served as Provost and the University’s Chief Academic Officer since December 2021, collaborating with faculty and academic staff to uphold Millikin’s commitment to academic excellence. Her leadership will continue helping the institution meet its mission of preparing students for professional success, democratic citizenship in a global environment, and the personal pursuit of a life of meaning and value.

As Board Chair, it is my pleasure to thank President Reynolds for his commitment to Millikin University and for the work he has done. I eagerly look forward to seeing how Acting President Black and President-Elect Pribbenow build upon that good work as we look boldly into the future and prepare for the next chapter in the great story of Millikin University. Let us all remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver on the promise of excellence in education as we continue to provide the transformative experiences that empower our students to become leaders in creating a wise, just, equitable and sustainable society for everyone.

Ronald Branch ’81, Chairman, Board of Trustees