President Dennis Will Retire in 2020
Dr. James M. Dennis, who has made an indelible mark as president of McKendree University
for 25 years, will retire on June 30, 2020, at the end of his current contract. The
Board of Trustees will conduct a national presidential search for his successor, said
Chairman Daniel Lett ’91.
“The accomplishments achieved as a result of Jim Dennis’ leadership have been nothing
short of miraculous,” said Dan. “Upon his arrival in 1994, he sought to breathe new
life and vitality into this institution—and he has done so by every measure. The McKendree
University community has been transformed by a more diverse faculty and student body;
state-of-the-art facilities; a rich curriculum and presence in the arts; a focus on
service; and graduating young men and women who are successful in every field and
walk of life.”
The next issue of the magazine will focus in depth on President Dennis and his significant
accomplishments at McKendree University.
The president has been a catalyst for unprecedented growth and progress over a quarter-century.
A native southern Californian with lifelong ties to higher education, he arrived in
Lebanon, Ill., after a 27-year career at the University of Southern California, with
a bold, enthusiastic vision for McKendree’s future. Under his guidance, McKendree
has increased the academic strength of its faculty, students, and programs; enrollment,
on-campus residence, construction and renovation, athletics and cocurricular activities,
and acquisition of property. During his tenure, the number of faculty and staff has
nearly tripled, and enrollment and fundraising have increased dramatically. McKendree’s
growing reputation has garnered national attention from prestigious publications and
organizations including U.S. News & World Report and The Chronicle of Higher Education.
His influence has extended beyond the campus as a member of numerous professional
and civic organizations. He is the 2019 president of Leadership Council Southwestern
Illinois, a not-for-profit economic development corporation, and has served on the
boards of the Higher Education Consortium of Metropolitan St. Louis, Memorial Hospital
and the St. Louis Regional Chamber. He was on the executive board of the Council of
Independent Colleges, the Associated Colleges of Illinois and the Federation of Independent
Illinois Colleges and Universities, and is the past president of Illinois Campus Compact,
an organization dedicated to volunteerism.
HOMECOMING & ALUMNI WEEKEND
October 4-6, 2019
Lebanon Campus
For more information, visit mckendree.edu/homecoming
FOUNDERS DAY CELEBRATION
February 20, 2020
The Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen
Center for the Arts
WILLIAM MCKENDREE SOCIETY SPRING CELEBRATION
May 2, 2020
The Chase Park Plaza
By Invitation Only
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
May 9, 2020
Lebanon Campus
Front Lawn
