Thirteen years after Dr. James M. Dennis became the 32nd president of McKendree, his efforts to dramatically change the landscape and community continue to revive tradition through transformation and transition. Dr. Dennis has led McKendree to record growth in the academic strength of faculty and students, academic programs, enrollment, on-campus residence, fundraising, construction, athletics and co-curricular activities. This growth contributed to McKendree College’s July 2007 transition to McKendree University.
During Dr. Dennis’ tenure, McKendree’s reputation and impact in the region has garnered national attention for the university. Prestigious publications and organizations, including U.S.News & World Report, America’s 100 Best College Buys® and Colleges of Distinction,have recognized McKendree for delivering a high-quality undergraduate education. Under Dr. Dennis’ leadership, McKendree has expanded its academic course offerings to 40 undergraduate majors and graduate degree programs in education, business administration, human resource management, nursing and professional counseling.
Successful fundraising campaigns have enabled Dr. Dennis to develop the McKendree landscape. His contributions include new construction of academic, fine arts, residence and athletic buildings, and the renovation of historic campus buildings, including Bothwell Chapel.
Dr. Dennis is actively involved with numerous professional and civic organizations. He currently serves on the executive board of the NAIA’s Council of Presidents, the Associated Colleges of Illinois, and the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities. Dr. Dennis is a leader in promoting volunteer service opportunities for college students and is the past president of Illinois Campus Compact, an organization dedicated to volunteerism. Locally, he serves on the Leadership Council for Southwestern Illinois and is a member of the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association.
Dr. Dennis has lifelong ties to higher education. He grew up across the street from Occidental College in Los Angeles, Calif., where his father was a highly regarded member of the faculty. In 1966, Dr. Dennis earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Occidental. He went on to complete his Ph.D. at the University of Southern California. In addition, he attended the Claremont Graduate School Institute on Higher Education and Harvard Institute for New Presidents. In 1993, Dr. Dennis was awarded a J. William Fulbright Fellowship to study in Germany and examine the German system of higher education.
Dr. Dennis’ commitment to youth and young adults is evident in his volunteer projects. He was a founder of the National Youth Program which offers educational and sports opportunities to disadvantaged young people and he founded Educational Seminars, which provides learning opportunities for high school and college educators throughout the country. Dedicated in his efforts to build a diverse campus community, Dr. Dennis actively promotes initiatives that encourage greater understanding and sensitivity among people. He continues to be a champion of providing qualified students the opportunity for a high quality college education.