MACOMB, Ill — Western Illinois University president Guiyou Huang is stepping down from his position effective March 31, after serving in the role since December 2020.
According to a release from the university, Vice President of Quad Cities Campus Operations Kristi Mindrup will serve as interim president, pending Board of Trustees approval, starting Monday, April 1.
“I am incredibly grateful for the honor of serving as the 12th president of WIU. While we have faced many challenges, we have also overcome many. I appreciate the opportunity I was given to lead this great institution, and I know that the future is full of possibilities for WIU. It is time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life and be closer to my family, but I will always be a Leatherneck at heart,” said Huang.
Huang was appointed Western's 12th president on Dec. 18, 2020. During his tenure, Huang grew the university's international appeal leading to a record number of international student enrollment. WIU's Division I Athletic programs also transferred over to the Ohio Valley Conference during his time.
The Board of Trustees is set to vote on the president's separation agreement at its regularly scheduled board meeting on March 22. Information on a presidential search will be set by the Board at a later date.
In the university's press release, Chair of the WIU Board of Trustees Carin Stutz thanked Huang for his service.
“Dr. Huang brought professionalism and integrity to WIU, a leader who was an advocate for all students from all walks of life. During his time at WIU, he championed the Performing Arts Center, drove enrollment and re-engaged many of our alumni. The trustees thank him for his dedicated and tireless service to our university,” Stutz said.
Mindrup is currently the longest-serving vice president on the leadership team, having been employed with WIU for 27 years.
“I have full confidence in Dr. Mindrup’s new role as interim president. During my time spent working closely with her as a member of the cabinet, she has demonstrated thoughtful leadership. She is full of knowledge of both campuses, and I am comforted to know this will be a smooth transition for the University,” Huang said.
“I am grateful to President Huang for his steady and thoughtful leadership and his many accomplishments. I look forward to working with the University community and our partners to align Western Illinois University’s present and future with a shared vision that positions this great institution to become increasingly responsive to opportunities to serve our students, our region and beyond in an ever-changing world,” Mindrup said.