DECATUR, Ill. – Dr. Nancy Curtin, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, has been appointed as Interim Provost of Millikin University. She is taking the place of Mary Black, who has served in the position since 2021.
Black was named Millikin’s Acting President by the Board of Trustees after Dr. Jim Reynolds requested administrative leave and stepped down from his role as Millikin President effective March 3, 2025.
Curtin has been a member of Millikin’s faculty since 1997 and previously served as a Professor and Chair of Communication. She will serve as both the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and Interim Provost until May 1, 2025.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Nancy Curtin as Millikin’s new Interim Provost. Nancy’s deep knowledge of our institution and strong relationships across campus will help us maintain momentum on Millikin’s key academic initiatives,” Millikin Acting President Mary Black said. “Nancy brings a wealth of experience and an enduring commitment to academic excellence, and I am confident in her ability to lead Millikin through this transitional period.”
Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, Millikin’s Director of the School of Biological & Environmental Studies and Director of Academic Effectiveness, will become the Interim Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, effective May 1, 2025. Schroeder also serves as Millikin’s Accreditation Liaison Officer.
“Dr. Jennifer Schroeder is a respected faculty member in the College of Arts & Sciences for nearly 17 years and brings valuable insight into the university’s history and operations, a strong commitment to student success, and a respected voice within our academic community,” Black said. “Jennifer’s leadership as both Director of the School of Biological & Environmental Studies and Director of Academic Effectiveness has demonstrated her dedication to academic excellence, making her well-suited to guide the College of Arts & Sciences.”
Black will serve as Acting President through the end of the 2024-25 academic year when she will leave Millikin to become Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, her hometown.
Dr. Dean Pribbenow will become Millikin's 17th President on July 1, 2025.
