A Message from President Dobbins

As universities throughout the nation struggle to stay afloat and remain relevant in today’s ever-shifting educational landscape, McKendree University stands steadfast and ready to serve its students now and in the future. It continues to move forward, make important changes, and positively affect lives every single day. We saw the largest One McKendree Giving Day recorded this year, as 422 generous donors gave over $458,000, tripling last year’s record. Our institution also keeps experiencing outstanding growth and record levels of enrollment as we welcome more students from all corners of the nation and throughout the world who’ve chosen to become Bearcats.

 

Our academic programs are also seeing tremendous growth. Enrollment in our educational programs continues to skyrocket, especially in our Paraprofessional+ Pathway program, which has seen impressive growth and higher demand in only one short year. Additionally, the School of Business has recently received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. These programs, among others, are meeting crucial needs in our communities and setting our students up for success after graduation.

 

The campus itself is seeing beautiful, innovative improvements being made over the past few years. In addition to the renovations made to Holman Library’s second floor and the fitness center, we will have recently finished a complete overhaul of The Lair, inside and out. We hope our students will enjoy this updated space, especially now that it is accessible to students of all abilities. Finally, Voigt Science Hall’s long-awaited renovations are underway, thanks to the generous donations made to McKendree’s FORWARD campaign. Phase one has already begun as the east side of the building undergoes construction until January 2025. Phase two, the building’s west side, will kick off next summer with anticipated completion in January 2026.

 

As the McKendree community celebrates the many successes our campus has seen recently, we eagerly anticipate and work tirelessly toward our bicentennial in 2028. This historic moment stands as a testament to our legacy and the impact that McKendree has had – and continues to have – in shaping our world’s leaders and thinkers. I eagerly anticipate what the future holds for McKendree and am inspired by our faculty and staff, who work hard to make this university the incredible institution that it is today. Today and always, through the efforts and support of many, I remain proud to be a Bearcat!