University News
Western Illinois University Hosts University Assembly to Begin New Academic Year
August 22, 2025
MACOMB, IL - - Western Illinois University President Kristi Mindrup and University leadership presented a vision for the new academic year. The event held Friday, Aug. 22 featured presentations from President Mindrup, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academics Mark Mossman, Vice President for Student Success Justin Schuch and Vice President for Finance and Administration Ketra Roselieb. Students, faculty, staff and community members gathered in the College of Fine Arts and Communications (CoFAC) Recital Hall to hear a renewed call for collaboration in the WIU community and the cultivation of ambition in students, faculty and staff.
"University Assembly is an opportunity to set the path for the next academic year and to inspire students, faculty and staff to thrive within a university culture that promotes engagement, confidence, creativity, mentorship and purpose-driven learning, teaching, practice and scholarship," said Mindrup. "We have an exceptional University and are proud to celebrate our past, present and future. Now is the time to come together to recognize our success while amplifying our success in student achievements."
In addition to a message from President Mindrup, other University leaders also shared their goals for their specific WIU divisions. Interim Provost Mark Mossman is currently leading a realignment of colleges within WIU to allow for increased collaboration and student opportunities. Western is recognized as a national leader in student access to higher education and post-higher education wage attainment.
"We have a strong reputation for student opportunity. By adjusting our current academic model, we can be more student-focused and provide the correct framework for continued academic success," Mossman said. "Affirming that guiding principles of the rebuild would include sustainability and efficiency, respect for program purposes, pedagogies and traditions, and by providing the greatest potential for innovative engagement, we are moving forward."
A budget update by the vice president for Finance and Administration highlighted the strides Western has made in setting a new financial path.
"We are committed to providing an excellent education at an affordable rate," said Roselieb. "Our investments in recruiting and student retention will benefit the university in many ways including our finances."
The University Assembly also focused on newly arriving students to campus. Western Illinois University continues to adapt and implement recruitment and retention strategies to expand Western's reach and impact on students.
"The year ahead is paved with countless opportunities for our students to connect with each other, our campuses, communities and our amazing faculty and staff teams. We know students who are connected to WIU achieve their academic goals, and our focus is on ensuring every Leatherneck forms a meaningful connection to WIU," said Schuch. "We are continuing to evolve our new student recruitment efforts through new collaborations with our Alumni Programs team and graduates of WIU throughout the country. In addition, we are looking forward to expanding efforts related to transfer students and students returning to college after time away. It is a testament to the hard work of our teams that students continue to choose Western to finish their academic journey."
The Fall 2025 semester begins in Macomb and the Quad Cities on Monday, Aug. 25.
Posted By: Zachary Messersmith (ZD-Messersmith@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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