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Western Illinois University is transitioning to a two college system, effective July 1.
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Western Illinois University Enhances Opportunities with New Two College System

June 2, 2026

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - As part of a strategic effort to provide excellent academic and experiential opportunities for students, Western Illinois University is transitioning to a two college system, effective July 1.

The new structure will create the College of Business, Health, and Community Programs (CBHCP) and the College of Humanities, Arts, Sciences, and Education (CHASE). These newly formed colleges will be focused on student success, career readiness and collaboration across programs.

"Western Illinois University's new academic structure advances access and opportunity by strengthening collaboration across programs, curriculum and interdisciplinary partnerships," WIU President Kristi Mindrup said. "Through these connected academic experiences, students will be well prepared for in-demand careers, equipped to adapt in an ever-changing world and empowered to contribute to the quality of life of their communities. Congratulations to the teams who worked collaboratively and thoughtfully to shape this next evolution of WIU."

This change is designed to enhance administrative efficiency, streamline communications and create more opportunities for interdisciplinary work among our faculty, while still respecting and building on the long-standing traditions, identities and strengths of Western's programs.

"The new structure is part of a larger ongoing rebuild and reflects broad input from faculty, staff, students and administrators," WIU Provost and Academic Vice President Mark Mossman said. "It represents a critical step toward aligning WIU's academic operations with the needs of our region."

Tara Feld will serve as the inaugural CBHCP dean, bringing more than two decades of experience at WIU to the position. Her leadership priorities include strengthening applied learning opportunities, aligning academic programs with workforce and community needs and fostering a collaborative culture that supports faculty, staff and students during institutional transition.

"The creation of CBHCP provides an opportunity to think strategically about how we align academic programs, student experiences and regional workforce needs," Feld said. "As we move forward, my priority is to build a collaborative and sustainable foundation that supports academic quality, accreditation expectations, applied learning and long-term student success."

Kyle Mayborn, who also brings more than two decades of experience at WIU, will serve as the interim CHASE dean. Mayborn most recently served as the interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). He came to Western in 2000 as an assistant professor of Geology.

"In CHASE, the Humanities, Arts, Sciences and Education enrich one another," Mayborn said. "Creative practice opens new ways of seeing, and scientific inquiry offers new ways of understanding. The Humanities add essential depth, helping students connect knowledge to human experience. Education brings these strengths into practice, preparing future educators to translate insight, creativity and discovery into meaningful learning for others. Together, these fields create an academic community where ideas grow stronger through collaboration."

Feld and Mayborn will each be working with two associate deans to support this rebuilt structure. More information on leadership and program organization for the new structure will be provided soon.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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