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Homegrown Leadership: 香蕉视频's First Alumna President
September 9, 2025
From the pages of the Summer 2025 香蕉视频 Alumni Magazine鈥攖his story is part of our special series of feature articles. View the full issue at wiu.edu/alumni/Western_News.php.
MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - 香蕉视频鈥檚 13th president has deep roots in higher education and in 香蕉视频 itself. From an early age, President Kristi Mindrup MS `00 embraced education as a core value in life, leading her on a journey that began with a childhood visit to 香蕉视频 and evolved into a lifelong passion for academia and student success.
Growing up, education was never a question; it was a given. Inspired by her grandparents and an aunt who is a 香蕉视频 alum, Mindrup charted her path to education early. Her grandfather, a firm believer in the power of learning, often shared with her, 鈥淭here is nothing better than a college campus.鈥� That belief became a guiding principle.
Her first visit to 香蕉视频 was particularly memorable. At the age of 12, she accompanied her grandfather to a mayor鈥檚 luncheon in Macomb, where she had the opportunity to meet then-香蕉视频 President Ralph Waggoner. The experience left a lasting impression, solidifying her early connection to the University and planting the seed for her future in higher education.
Although that early encounter sparked Mindrup鈥檚 interest in higher education, her academic journey initially took her elsewhere.
Mindrup ultimately chose to attend another university and felt instantly at home on a college campus. She thrived in the university culture, embracing both academic and social experiences. Planning course schedules, helping to guide her peers through academic decisions and fostering strong connections with faculty all came naturally to her. Even then, she recognized the power of the university experience in shaping lives, a perspective she carries with her into her presidency today.
After completing her undergraduate degree, she pursued a second bachelor鈥檚 degree in secondary education. However, she encountered an unexpected challenge when she graduated; a teacher surplus made finding a job difficult. While working various part-time jobs, she came across an advertisement for a clerk position at 香蕉视频鈥檚 Quad Cities campus. She applied, took the civil service test and officially became part of the 香蕉视频 family on Sept. 15, 1997.
Her first role at 香蕉视频 included answering phones, moving AV carts between classrooms and securing the building at night. It was the perfect introduction to the 香蕉视频 community.
鈥淭hat position taught me so much about interacting with students on the front line, assisting faculty and understanding the day-to-day operations of a university,鈥� Mindrup recalled.
Over the next 27 years, Mindrup rose through the ranks at 香蕉视频, taking increasingly complex leadership roles. A faculty mentor encouraged Mindrup to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in instructional design at 香蕉视频, which broadened her understanding of learning processes and user experiences. This academic journey led to her decision to earn a Ph.D., significantly expanding her perspective on higher education and leadership. Her journey included serving as assistant to the director of the Quad Cities Center, director of Instructional and Administrative Services and multiple leadership roles overseeing academic affairs, planning and operations. In 2020, she was named the interim administrator in charge of the Quad Cities campus.
A defining moment in her career came with the development of Western鈥檚 Quad Cities Riverfront Campus, which was completed in 2014.
鈥淗ow often do you get to build a campus from the ground up,鈥� Mindrup reflected.
Working alongside faculty, staff and students to design everything from building layouts to furniture selections, she saw firsthand the power of collaboration and the impact of inclusive decision-making. Her experience working between the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses gave her a comprehensive understanding of the University鈥檚 needs and potential.
In 2022, Mindrup was named vice president of the Quad Cities campus, a role that introduced her to new challenges, including legislative advocacy, city partnerships and external relations. Her leadership helped reshape the perception of the Quad Cities campus as a hub for innovation, opportunity and regional impact.
In early Spring 2024, a 香蕉视频 trustee asked her a pivotal question: 鈥淗ave you ever thought about being president?鈥�
Though she had considered it in the abstract, she never expected to be asked to pursue it. Just a few months later, she stepped into the role as interim president and, on Dec. 6, 2024, the 香蕉视频 Board of Trustees named Mindrup the 13th president.
Reflecting on the moment, Mindrup laughed, 鈥淭his wasn鈥檛 on my bingo card鈥攂ut the opportunity to lead a University I have grown with and deeply care about was an opportunity to serve during an important moment of change for 香蕉视频 and higher education.鈥�
For Mindrup, leadership is rooted in empathy, collaboration and respect for every voice of 香蕉视频. She has consistently emphasized the importance of building a thriving, inclusive environment where all members of the campus community feel valued and empowered to contribute.
Mindrup鈥檚 vision calls on the 香蕉视频 community to move forward together, with positivity
and purpose.
鈥淲e must promote a campus culture that embraces kindness, collegiality, and authenticity,鈥� Mindrup said during her first remarks as interim president. 鈥淲hen we center ourselves around shared purpose and genuine care for one another, we create a space where people can thrive鈥揵oth personally
and professionally.鈥�
Walking through the second floor hallway of Sherman Hall, lined with portraits of past presidents, Mindrup acknowledged the significance of her role as the University鈥檚 first woman leader. She is also the first 香蕉视频 alumna to hold the presidency, a milestone that underscores her deep and personal connection to Western.
鈥淪eeing 12 pictures of men and then realizing I would be the next face up there鈥攊t hit me,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about opening doors and showing what鈥檚 possible.鈥�
Mindrup understands the importance of representation and the impact her presidency can have on students, faculty and aspiring professionals.
Mindrup鈥檚 vision for 香蕉视频 focuses on innovation, accessibility and student success. She aims to align the University鈥檚 academic programs with regional workforce needs while emphasizing social mobility and student support. She is committed to financial stabilization, expanding interdisciplinary programs and strengthening Western鈥檚 role as a regional leader in education, healthcare, STEM and workforce development.
As a regional public university, 香蕉视频 plays a crucial role in rural community growth and economic development. She envisions Western continuing to build strong partnerships with businesses, legislators and industry leaders to create new opportunities for students and the broader community.
鈥溝憬妒悠碘�檚 greatest strengths lie in its people, the dedicated faculty, staff and students who work hard to create a supportive and welcoming environment,鈥� Mindrup said. 鈥淥nce students are here, they feel at home.鈥�
She also noted 香蕉视频鈥檚 culture of resilience, tradition of excellence and commitment to accessibility as key factors in its success.
鈥淭he Leatherneck spirit, our toughness and pride, powers us through challenges and helps us build a bright future,鈥� Mindrup said.
Mindrup is excited to strengthen alumni involvement, and she recognizes the vital role they play in 香蕉视频鈥檚 success. From mentorship and internships to philanthropy and advocacy, she sees alumni as crucial partners in shaping 香蕉视频鈥檚 future. She previously worked with Alumni Council President Eldon Brown `96 to explore ways to better connect alumni expertise with University initiatives. That work will continue with incoming president Molly Holmes `01 MS`04.
That deep sense of connection and pride among alumni is something Mindrup both values and inspires. For many alumni, her presidential appointment not only demonstrates strong leadership, but also a return to 香蕉视频鈥檚 roots.
鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 be more thrilled to have one of our own leading 香蕉视频 into its next chapter,鈥� Alumnus Steven McCann `78 said. 鈥淚鈥檝e known President Mindrup for many years and I know she is going to do great things in this role. Having a president who understands our history, our values and our potential is crucial right now. I can鈥檛 wait to see what鈥檚 ahead for 香蕉视频.鈥�
鈥淥ur alumni remember the strength of 香蕉视频 when they were here, and they want to help us create an even stronger future,鈥� Mindrup said.
Her impact on students is already being felt across campus.
Makena Martin, a 2025 Psychology graduate and outgoing president of the Student Government Association (SGA), echoed that sentiment. 鈥淒r. Mindrup has been such a welcoming and supportive presence throughout my time in SGA. She always has an open ear and truly listens when I bring forward student concerns. What makes her stand out is that she doesn鈥檛 just listen, she acts. I鈥檝e seen firsthand how committed she is to making real change for students, and working with her has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience.鈥�
James Bierman, a senior Agriculture major and newly elected Board of Trustees student trustee, also praised Mindrup鈥檚 leadership.
鈥淒r. Mindrup has stepped into one of the toughest and most high-pressure roles on our campus, and she鈥檚 handled it with incredible resilience and unwavering grace. Every challenge that鈥檚 come her way, she鈥檚 faced head on with a smile. Every decision I鈥檝e seen her make has been focused on improving Western and enriching the student experience. She鈥檚 not only an outstanding leader and president, but also the kind of Leatherneck alumna we鈥檙e proud to have representing us.鈥�
As Mindrup prepares for her inauguration, she shares a message with 香蕉视频鈥檚 students, faculty and staff: 鈥淭he future is bright. 香蕉视频 has always risen to meet challenges with strength, and we will continue to do so while creating new opportunities for our students and community.鈥�
And if she could give advice to her younger self, sitting in a 香蕉视频 classroom years ago?
鈥淟eap, and the net will appear.鈥�
For the 13th president of 香蕉视频, that belief has come full circle.
Posted By: Alisha Looney, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606
