DECATUR, Ill. — Millikin University proudly announces that Dr. Dean Pribbenow has officially assumed the role of 17th President of the University, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Pribbenow succeeds Acting President Mary Black, who has served in the position since March.
With over 20 years of experience in higher education leadership, Dr. Pribbenow brings a deep commitment to private, student-centered learning and the importance of community engagement. He comes to Millikin from Elmhurst University, where he served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty since 2020.
“Millikin is a place where students are challenged to grow, lead and contribute meaningfully to the world. I look forward to partnering with students, parents and supporters, faculty, staff, alumni, the Decatur community and beyond to shape an ambitious and inclusive future for this remarkable institution,” Pribbenow said. “I am honored to join the Millikin community and build upon the University’s strong tradition of Performance Learning.”
Pribbenow’s initial days will be focused on meeting with Millikin’s senior leadership and connecting with Decatur-area community leaders who have been integral to the University’s success.
“I am genuinely excited to begin building new partnerships across the Decatur area and to meet the many community leaders who help make this city and Millikin thrive,” he said. “Millikin has always been deeply rooted in this community, and I look forward to strengthening those ties through collaboration, shared purpose, and a commitment to making a lasting impact together.”
Also on July 1, the leadership of Millikin’s Board of Trustees transitioned from Chair Ron Branch ’81, who led the Board since 2023, to new Chair Dr. Kathy Thomforde ’78. Thomforde is the first female Chair of the Board of Trustees in Millikin’s history.
“I'm excited to be working with someone like Dean Pribbenow, who is a servant leader and believes that leadership is a calling,” Thomforde said. “I know that Dean and his wife, Dr. Kris Mickelson, thought about the presidency and considered what it would mean in terms of their lives. They are a team, and this is something that they have been very intentional about. They are committed fully and wholeheartedly to Millikin and the presidency.”
Pribbenow and Thomforde will participate in an interview with Brian Byers on the Byers & Co. radio program on Wednesday, July 2, at 8 a.m., streaming on NowDecatur.com and broadcast on 1340 AM/103.3 FM in Decatur.
