President Jensen Announces Retirement and Resignation

May 31, 2019

To the Illinois Wesleyan Community:

Elizabeth and I came to Bloomington as agents of change, and over the past four years, we’ve seen purposeful advances in Illinois Wesleyan’s curricular innovation and inclusive excellence. We’ve seen new emphasis on focusing the attention of potential students on this great institution, and on concentrating our resources on the student experience.

Now the process of revising the University’s strategic plan is beginning. This will be an exciting opportunity to sharpen the institution’s focus and strengthen Illinois Wesleyan’s academic profile by defining exceptional educational experiences, and in so doing ensure its fiscal future. When the plan is finalized, there will be significant work to begin implementation of major initiatives.

As the public face of this effort, the demands on the President to see it through from start to finish are substantial. As I have considered the implications of this, it is with great difficulty that I have come to the conclusion that the needed commitment is one that I cannot make. Therefore, I am announcing my retirement and subsequent resignation as President of Illinois Wesleyan University, effective May 31, 2019.

Elizabeth and I treasure our time at this wonderful university and the friendships that we have made in the Illinois Wesleyan and Bloomington-Normal communities. The future of Illinois Wesleyan is bright, and we have been honored to be a part of its enduring legacy. Thank you for your dedication to Illinois Wesleyan, your support of the work that we’ve done together these last several years, and the contributions that each of you make every day to this special place. We will be following your progress closely.

Until our paths cross again, Go Titans!

Eric