University News

Abraham Named Interim WIU President

October 3, 2019

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- At today's (Oct. 3) Western Illinois University Board of Trustees meeting, the Board unanimously appointed Acting WIU President Martin Abraham as interim president, effective immediately through June 30, 2020. Abraham's salary as interim president has been set at $294,000 (annually). According to Board Chair Polly Radosh, the Board will continue to discuss next steps regarding a search for a permanent president.

"We greatly appreciate Dr. Abraham's efforts as acting president, and we are pleased he has agreed to continue serving as interim president. In just the few short months that he has been at WIU, Dr. Abraham has been working hard to ensure a strong future for Western, and is an active member of not only our University community, but of the communities that Western services," said Radosh. "We are positive he will continue to provide outstanding leadership."

Abraham, who was originally hired as Western's new provost, began serving as the acting president July 1.

"I'd like to thank the Board for their confidence in me," Abraham said. "I'm pleased to continue to serve as Western's interim president. We're beginning to make great strides in our action items and goals for WIU's immediate and long-term future, and I'm happy to be a part of it. I'd like to thank our faculty, staff and students, as well as our community members, alumni and friends, for your continued support as we move this great University forward."

Recruitment, enrollment, retention, diversity and inclusion and building relationships are among Abraham's key initiatives, along with ensuring access to the academic programs offered at WIU. Shortly after taking over as acting president July 1, Abraham formed four teams to come up with aggressive action plans for enrollment, retention, graduate and international enrollment and distance learning. University and community leaders, including Abraham, established the Moving Macomb Forward initiative, and to date have hosted six community dialogues on racism at the community and the University, with more planned in the near future. Other initiatives under Abraham's leadership include new and enhanced scholarship programs; increased recruitment efforts, including more faculty, staff and alumni involvement; and greater involvement with community leaders and area residents, both at the University and within the community. In addition, the University has also recently undergone a brand refresh, with the goal to reach even more students.

"Western is an incredible school, with outstanding academic programs and extracurricular opportunities, along with great faculty and staff, and I am honored to serve as your interim president," he added.

In addition to Abraham serving as interim president, Interim Provost Billy Clow will continue serving in that role.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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