Western Illinois University Board of Trustees names Mindrup first female president

MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees voted unanimously Friday, Dec. 6, to appoint Kristi Mindrup as the university’s 13th president, effective immediately, making her the first female president in Western’s history. The board will approve Mindrup’s salary and contract at its March meeting.

“Dr. Mindrup has demonstrated outstanding leadership since her appointment to interim president in April 2024,” Board Chair Carin Stutz said in a press release. “She has proven to be the bold, transparent, strategic and thoughtful leader that WIU needs today. The board is unanimous in selecting Dr. Mindrup as the 13th president of WIU as we are confident that she will continue to bring insight and expertise in the bold decision making WIU needs. She has our full support.”

Mindrup has served as WIU’s interim president since April 2024. She previously served as the vice president for Quad Cities Campus Operations. Mindrup has 27 years of experience in higher education. She provided leadership for the planning and establishment of the WIU Quad Cities Riverfront Campus in Moline.

She serves on the board of directors for Renew Moline and the United Way Education Council. She previously served for nine years on the Council for Advancement of Standards in Higher Education, and she served as president of the Illinois Association for Institutional Research. Mindrup has taught in the College Student Personnel program at WIU and has served as an adjunct instructor with Eastern Iowa Community College District.

Mindrup earned a doctorate from the University of Iowa in educational policy and leadership studies, a master’s degree from Western Illinois University and two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Northern Iowa.