UNI grad trailblazes as first female president at Western Illinois University
UNI grad trailblazes as first female president at Western Illinois University
As the 13th president of Western Illinois University, Kristi Mindrup believes her roots as a Panther gave her a passion for higher education and helped shape her into the successful leader she is today. Mindrup was appointed to the role of president in December, making her the first woman to hold the position.
“Some days it's quite surreal, but I'm definitely honored to serve and have a position that really has influence over students and to create a positive experience for them, like the one I had at UNI,” she said.
Mindrup’s career in higher education began as an entry-level clerk at Western Illinois University in 1997. Since that time, she ascended to the ranks of vice president and eventually president, while also earning a master’s and doctoral degree.
“I don't know that I saw myself as a leader as a younger person when I was an undergrad,” she said. “But as I look back over time, I always had an interest in creating environments that help people thrive, ensuring the people I worked with enjoyed their positions and ensuring the students we worked with had a really positive experience on campus. Because of that, I often emerged as a leader or co-leader.”
As a vice president, Mindrup worked more directly with the president of WIU as well as the university’s external stakeholders than she had previously. For the first time, she considered that her resume very closely resembled that of a university president.
“I never really took the idea that the opportunity would come to fruition seriously until I was actually asked to serve the interim role of president when we had a leadership transition,” Mindrup explained.
Although neither of her parents attended college, the value of higher education was instilled in Mindrup at an early age thanks to her grandfather and aunt. Mindrup grew up in the Quad Cities and came to UNI as a transfer student. A friend of hers was attending UNI, so when Mindrup decided to transfer from her previous institution, visiting Cedar Falls was a natural choice. Walking around campus, seeing the buildings and meeting the people made her feel like she was home. She knew it was where she belonged.
As a student, Mindrup started in broadcasting but switched her major several times. Eventually, she landed on sociology after falling in love with the classes. She was inspired by professors like Phyllis Baker and Victoria Robinson who modeled what it was like to be a woman working in higher education.
“I remember graduating and walking across the stage and just being so impressed and really moved at the whole ceremony of graduation,” she said. “I was in awe of the regalia the faculty and administration were wearing and all of that, but, as someone in their early 20s, I didn't ever imagine that one day I would be a person sitting on that stage.”
I remember graduating and walking across the stage and just being so impressed and really moved at the whole ceremony of graduation. I was in awe of the regalia the faculty and administration were wearing and all of that, but, as someone in their early 20s, I didn't ever imagine that one day I would be a person sitting on that stage.
After earning her degree in sociology, Mindrup completed a second bachelor’s at UNI, this time in social studies education. Though she didn’t end up becoming a teacher, she believes what she learned in these programs has been highly instrumental to her success.
“The sociology program really shaped my worldview to look at the dynamics within society and within organizations,” said Mindrup. “It gave me a really great toolkit for observing the world around me, and then the education part of it showed me the value of being able to make an impact on students. I think that's something I've carried out throughout my career in higher education.”
Mindrup hopes she is known as a president who is a team builder, a mentor for the next generation of students and someone who paves the way for the people behind her. She also hopes her position shows students and young professionals, women in particular, there is no limit to what they can accomplish.
For those wanting to climb the ranks of leadership at a college or university, she has some words of advice.
“Say ‘yes’ to opportunities that fit what inspires your heart,” she said. “Keep your mind open to possibilities. Listen to mentors, take opportunities, learn from other people, do presentations and challenge yourself along the way.”
