McKendree University President Signs New Contract Extension Through 2028
Lebanon, IL (05/14/2025) — The McKendree University Board of Trustees, under the direction of Chairman George Obernagel '78, are pleased to announce a multi-year contract extension to President Daniel Dobbins '81 through June 2028.
"The Board of Trustees are thrilled to have President Dobbins committed to an additional two years of leadership here at McKendree," Obernagel said. "During a time when many schools are struggling, McKendree has much success under his guidance. President Dobbins' leadership has established innovative new programs, celebrated athletic championship victories, overseen campus renovations that meet the needs of current and future students, and secured a strong financial foundation for our university. What impresses us most is that despite these remarkable achievements, President Dobbins recognizes there is still important work to be done, and his continued commitment reflects his unwavering dedication to McKendree's future excellence."
President Dobbins is McKendree University's 33rd president and is a 1981 graduate of the institution. He became president on January 1, 2020, and was officially inaugurated at McKendree's 193rd Founders Day in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. President Dobbins is married to fellow alumna, Mickey (Macaluso) Dobbins '81.
McKendree University has accomplished much under the direction of President Dobbins, including developing and launching the U.N.I.T.E.D. strategic plan, launching the Clear Path admissions strategy, and attaining a successful Higher Learning Commissions Year 4 Accreditation assurance review. There have also been several major improvements made to a number of buildings on campus, including a massive transformation to Holman Library's space with a learning and technology center, renovations made to both The Lair and the fitness center, and a complete overhaul of Voigt Science Hall, which is slated to be finished in January 2026.
Additionally, McKendree was the first institution in Illinois to address the teacher shortage by creating the Paraprofessional+ Pathway program, which allows paraprofessionals to become Illinois licensed teachers at the elementary level or the special education level in only two years. This ingenious program gained certification from the Illinois State Board of Education and became the first-ever approved apprenticeship model for the State of Illinois through the Department of Labor. Furthermore, the university also provides the Master of Arts in Teaching degree, which makes it possible for paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, content knowledge pathway candidates, and anyone who already holds a bachelor's degree from an accredited university to receive their initial licensure in either three or five semesters, all online.
Under President Dobbins' leadership, the university continues to experience record levels of enrollment for the past three years. Last fall, the university welcomed its largest class in its history with students hailing from 33 additional states and 29 other countries. This outstanding momentum has helped propel the university into 2028, when it will celebrate its bicentennial as Illinois' first institution of higher learning.
Through his presidency, President Dobbins has been active in numerous professional and civic organizations, including serving as Chair of the Education Committee of the Leadership Council of Southwest Illinois, Executive Committee Member of the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities (FIICU), and Treasurer of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).
"I continue to be honored to serve as president of this great university," President Dobbins said. "Helping McKendree realize its fullest potential has and will continue to be the focus of my life's work. Mickey and I are committed to our continued service to our beloved alma mater. I am excited to lead the institution as we prepare to celebrate the bicentennial of our founding and begin the next century of McKendree's efforts in educating outstanding students, who will impact our region, state, country, and world."
For more information, please visit www.mckendree.edu/onemckendree.
Media Attachments
McKendree University
Tina Napper, Lead Writer, 618-537-6865, cmnapper@mckendree.eduShare this Story
Recent News
- McKendree University's Sports Management Students to Host Fast & Furriest 5K Fun Run April 12
- Eagles Tribute Band, Certified Data Sleuth, Epic Student Play, Whimsical Children's Production Coming to the Hett This April
- McKendree University Students to Perform "She Kills Monsters" April 4-6
- McKendree University Designated a Voter Friendly Campus by NASPA, Campus Vote Project
- McKendree University Hosts National Civics Bee Local Contest March 13
- McKendree University Hosts 14 Local High Schools During Three-Day Model UN Event
- McKendree University's Summer Classes Set for June 2
- Career Fair, Education Fair Rescheduled for March 20
- MLK Humanitarian Awards Honor Senior, Director of Campus Activities
- McKendree University to Induct Outstanding Alumni to Sports Hall of Fame Feb. 15