Eastern Mennonite University announced on April 11 the selection of Shannon W. Dycus as interim president. Dycus is vice president for student affairs, equity and belonging at EMU and a member of the Executive Leadership Team and President’s Cabinet.

She is the first Black woman named to this position, which begins July 1 and spans at least two years.

Dycus served as EMU dean of students from 2019 to 2023 and as vice president of student affairs and dean of students from 2023 to 2024 before being promoted to her current role, where she oversees the Student Life, DEI and Athletics departments.

Dycus’ selection as interim president was approved March 26 by unanimous vote of the EMU Board of Trustees. The decision followed a national search that began after Susan Schultz Huxman, EMU’s ninth president and first woman president, announced her retirement in October, effective June 30.

“Shannon has proven her outstanding ability to set vision, listen well and execute the best way forward as an EMU administrator, and she is a trusted and gifted spiritual leader,” said board vice chair Jane Hoober Peifer. “Shannon is committed to preparing EMU students to be peacebuilders in the world, and her collaborative and decisive leadership is needed in this climate of ever-changing higher education realities.”

Dycus has a doctor of ministry degree in public theology from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, a master of divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis and a bachelor’s degree in middle and secondary education from Butler University. Prior to EMU, she was an academic adviser and adjunct faculty at Franklin University of Ohio (Indianapolis campus) and co-pastor at First Mennonite Church in Indianapolis.

“I have always seen my own call to lead communities, in both education and ministerial contexts, toward our growth and becoming in relationship with each other and God,” Dycus said. “I look forward to leading EMU through this transitional moment and continuing its commitment to a values-based education that inspires achievement and compassion.”