DECATUR, Ill. – Dr. Nancy Curtin, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, has been appointed as Interim Provost of . She is taking the place of Mary Black, who has served in the position since 2021.
Black was named ǿý’s Acting President by the Board of Trustees after Dr. Jim Reynolds requested administrative leave and stepped down from his role as ǿý President effective March 3, 2025.
Curtin has been a member of ǿý’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 ǿý’s new Interim Provost. Nancy’s deep knowledge of our institution and strong relationships across campus will help us maintain momentum on ǿý’s key academic initiatives,” ǿý 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 ǿý through this transitional period.”
Dr. Jennifer Schroeder, ǿý’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 ǿý’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 ǿý 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 ǿý's 17th President on July 1, 2025.
