General Information • Application • Current Members

Alumni Council

Made up of 24 alumni appointed to three-year terms and the president of the Student Alumni Association, this board meets four times a year. Members represent the interests of alumni and serve as liaisons to 25 University areas. The council assists in the recruitment of students, selects Alumni Award recipients, and was instrumental in establishing the Student Alumni Association.

WIU Alumni Association Survey - Alumni Council President Eldon Brown '96

eldon

Dear WIU Alumni-

Thank to our WIU Alumni that filled out our survey regarding the University's leadership. The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Dec. 6 to appoint Kristi Mindrup as the University's 13th president, effective immediately, making her the first female president in Western's history. The Board will approve Mindrup's salary and contract at its March meeting. Read more HERE.

eldon

 

 

Eldon Brown `96

President, WIU Alumni Council

Interested in joining the Alumni Council?

The WIU Alumni Association is looking for dedicated leaders of all ages, ethnicity, gender, geographic location, career fields, etc. to serve on the WIU Alumni Council. The Alumni Council strives to include a broad range of members that accurately reflects our student body and alumni community. Applicants are evaluated based on a number of factors, including engagement since graduating (e.g. attendance, giving back to WIU financially, referring students, returning to campus to speak to classes, offering career mentorship, etc.) and general Leatherneck Pride. If you or someone you know is an active alumnus that would be a good candidate, please fill out our online application form. The deadline is April 1.

2025 Alumni Council Meetings

  • Saturday, July 19
  • Friday, October 17

2024 - 2025 Council Members

Alumni Council Featured Member

leslieLeslie T. Jefferson 1982, 1995

Degree: BS in Physical Education and minor in Health Education in 1981 and MS in Sport Management in 1995 from WIU.

Business Information: Retired after 35 years of being a High School & Junior High Physical Education/Health Teacher. Coached both HS/JH Girls and Boys Sports, Athletic Director, Class Sponsor, Student Council Sponsor, and Bus Driver. After retirement, I spent 4 special years working in a safe school environment. Definitely out of my comfort zone at first but grew to love working with these young students and seeing them continue on with their educational goals. 

Advice for Freshmen: Get out and about. Make new friends, broaden your horizon by getting involved with the groups and organizations that are on campus. Attend events on campus and don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and explore what it is out there.

Favorite WIU Memory: Having the privilege of being able to play four years of Field Hockey (1977-1980) at the Collegiate level with a group of talented young women athletes and coaches.

Family Information/Special Interests and Hobbies: Married to my spouse, Dr. Tere North and several fur children. Serve on the Lions of Illinois Foundation Board, District Corrdinator for Leader Dog for the Blind, and a member of the Macomb Lions Club. Enjoy camping, hiking, playing with my furry kids, reading, working in my yard, and an avid sports enthusiast.