DECATUR, Ill. — Millikin University will formally inaugurate Dr. Dean Pribbenow as its 17th president on Friday, April 10, 2026, and the event will also serve as a signature kickoff to Millikin’s 125th anniversary celebration of the University’s founding.
The Presidential Inauguration ceremony will take place from 1–3 p.m. at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center and will bring together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends for a campus-wide celebration of leadership, legacy, and community.
Since its founding in 1901 by James Millikin, Millikin University has grown into a vibrant institution known for its Performance Learning model and deep engagement with students and the community.
The 125th anniversary year will feature a series of celebrations and events that highlight Millikin’s longstanding commitment to academic excellence, experiential education, and civic engagement.
● Celebrations of Scholarship
● Honors Convocation & Annual Awards
● The Judith & G. Richard Locke Poster Symposium
● The True Blue Challenge honors Founders Day traditions
Pribbenow began his tenure as Millikin’s president on July 1, 2025, following a nationwide search. The April ceremony will formally install him in office and emphasize Millikin’s mission, values, and shared vision for academic excellence and community impact.
Additional details will be shared at millikin.edu/inauguration.
