Illinois Wesleyan University Names New President

Image provided by the Illinois Wesleyan Univeristy Department of Communications

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Sheahon Zenger was recently named the next president of Illinois Wesleyan University. 

The months-long search concluded on April 10. Zenger spoke on IWU’s application process. 

“It followed a process much like most other executive searches for presidents, vice presidents, c-suite type jobs,” Zenger said. 

Zenger served as an Assistant to the Chancellor at Texas Christian University and as the Director of Athletics for the University of New Haven, Illinois State University and the University of Kansas. Zenger created many opportunities for collaboration and partnership at the University of New Haven as he raised nearly $400 million to support capital projects throughout his career. 

The IWU community is one that Zenger claims to want to be a part of. He believes that his knowledge of the community will be helpful in this position 

 “First of all, it’s a job that I’ve wanted for a long, long time,” Zenger said. “That doesn’t make someone able to do the job, but I think it’s important to find someone who really wants to do the job and wants to be a part of the Illinois Wesleyan family. Secondly, I believe my roots in the area, my knowledge of the community, the state, the region, are very helpful in my belief in the classic liberal arts education.”

Zenger believes that his presidency will be a case of him joining them as they have been establishing a role in the greater community. 

“The first 90 days will be a listening tour,” Zenger said. “I have ideas and aspirations for Illinois Wesleyan University, but at the same time, those don’t mean much if they can’t be validated by faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

“It’s a special place,” Zenegr said. “And a place I’m looking so forward to joining and leading those who are that committed to one another.”

Zenger’s presidency will be put into effect on July 1.