MONMOUTH, Ill. — Monmouth College has named a new president, according to a press release.
Dr. Patricia Draves will succeed current President Clarence R. Wyatt, who is retiring after ten years in the position. Draves will be Monmouth's 15th president.
Draves has been serving as Graceland University's president since 2017. She previously taught at Monmouth as a chemistry professor.
"There are special places that prepare students for very meaningful careers and for rich lives to serve and to lead others. Monmouth College is one of those places," Draves said in the release. "Monmouth graduates do wonderful and great things. Being selected to be part of the team that leads this College is such an honor. I'm excited about working with the Monmouth faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends to move this outstanding college forward."
As Graceland's 18th president, she established a new academic model called the Blue, Gold and Bold Plan, helped the university raise more than $55 million and guided the college through the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, Draves served as vice president for academic affairs at the University of Mount Union in Ohio from 2006 to 2017.
"We look forward to Dr. Patricia Draves' leadership as the 15th president of Monmouth," Monmouth Board of Trustees Chair Mark Kopinski said in the release. "Her groundbreaking work as a college president and academic leader, along with her track record of developing innovative student-centered programs, has distinguished her in higher education. The entire Monmouth community is excited that she is again embracing the College's tartan as our new leader."
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