Illinois Wesleyan University names Dr. Sheahon Zenger 21st President

Posted on April 10, 2024
Dr. Sheahon Zenger joins IWU after serving as Interim President at the University of New Haven. (Photo courtesy: IWU)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – After a national search, Illinois Wesleyan University’s Board of Trustees named the university’s 21st President.

Trustee members named Dr. Sheahon Zenger, the former interim President at the University of New Haven as the next President.

Zenger, who has more than 30 years of experience in higher education leadership, succeeds President Georgia Nugent, who stepped down after five years as President.

“I am honored and excited to be joining the Illinois Wesleyan family, and I am humbled to be selected to serve as president of an institution with a rich history and a strong tradition of giving back and doing good,” Zenger said in a news release. “The mission of this university as a leader in liberal arts education has been and will continue to be life changing for so many.”

Zenger is no stranger to the Central Illinois landscape, as he served as the Athletic Director at Illinois State University for five years.

After a stop at ISU, Dr. Zenger served as the Athletic Director at the University of Kansas and the University of New Haven.

“I greatly admire this community’s sense of pride, its purpose, and its commitment to making a difference,” Dr. Zenger added. “There is such a compelling story to tell, and I am looking forward to working with Titans near and far to help advance the great work taking place across this close-knit community.”

WATCH: Illinois Wesleyan University introduce Dr. Zenger as the 21st President.

Dr. Zenger earned a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education and a master’s in journalism and mass communications, both from Kansas State University. Additionally, Dr. Zenger earned a Ph.D. in educational policy and leadership at the University of Kansas.

He and his wife Pam have three adult children.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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