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DECATUR, Ill. – '85, has been appointed Vice President for and Community Engagement, effective April 16, 2025.  

A graduate of the Class of 1985, Kerans currently serves as �ǿ����޴�ý’s Director of Community Engagement & Recruitment in the Office of Admission. Her diligent efforts and commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships have led to five-year highs in the number and percentage of first-year students coming from Macon County.   

In this new role, Kerans will lead the Department of Athletics and work to develop strategies in the areas of enrollment, retention, student success, and fundraising while promoting a winning culture to support student-athletes. She will strengthen the department by improving the structure and support for Athletics and aligning it with broader University initiatives.   

“In this position, Lori will provide the strategic vision and leadership necessary to continue advancing �ǿ����޴�ý University's mission and the Department of Athletics,” Acting President Mary Black said. “Alongside President-Elect Dean Pribbenow, I have no doubt that she will bring the same exemplary service and passion to this new opportunity that she has brought to �ǿ����޴�ý throughout her entire career — one that has spanned nearly four decades and touched nearly every area of campus.” 

Kerans returns to Athletics after serving the department from 1986 to 2018. During that time, she accomplished several historic achievements. She is �ǿ����޴�ý’s all-time winningest coach, leading the Women’s Basketball Team to more than 550 wins, 24 winning seasons, numerous CCIW titles, and the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2004-05. 

Kerans was the first female Athletic Director in the CCIW, building strong relationships with constituents to enhance the visibility and success of �ǿ����޴�ý’s athletic programs and nurturing a culture of excellence, inclusion, and integrity that prioritized a holistic student-athlete experience.  

Kerans will also coordinate the University’s efforts to identify effective engagement opportunities in the greater Decatur area and beyond and create mutual benefit and a shared sense of purpose for the institution and its partners.  

“As one of our local community’s most invested citizens, I can think of no one more equipped to lead the charge in invigorating our community partnerships,” Black said. “Lori will continue to be a loyal advocate for students, coaches, staff, and the University — championing a unified image of �ǿ����޴�ý through Athletics and community engagement, and serving as one of our greatest, proudest ambassadors.”