NEWS
Dr. James Mullen Named Transitional President of Saint John’s University “He’s an experienced president, and he’s got a great track record in higher education. We are pleased to have Jim’s leadership and guidance to help us with this unique transitional year,” said SJU Board Chair Dan McKeown (SJU ’85).
Dr. James Mullen Jr. has been named transitional president of Saint John’s University by the SJU Board of Trustees.
“I’m tremendously honored to join the Saint John’s community at this moment in its history,” said Mullen, whose duties as president officially started June 1. “The Benedictine tradition and their devotion to higher education and community is inspiring. To have a chance to be part of this educational community during this transitional period is both exciting and humbling.” “I’m enthused to partner with Jim as we guide these institutions through
this process of integrating more closely,” said CSB Transitional President Laurie Hamen. “He brings a fresh new set of insights and a strong history of collaboration.” Mullen follows Dr. Eugene McAllister, who served as interim president for the past two years. President McAllister will be returning to his family in Montana, and Saint John’s is deeply grateful for his service. The Boards of Trustees of Saint John’s and Saint Ben’s plan to lead a search for the first joint president of the two institutions later this fall, pending approval by the Higher Learning Commission.
Update on Strong Integration Since late 2018, the CSB and SJU Boards of Trustees have been working toward stronger integration of governance and leadership structures to simplify processes and decision-making across our two institutions. In late April, CSB and SJU submitted their application to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), seeking approval of a change to the governance and leadership structure. The HLC is expected to decide on the application by late fall 2021. Once the change of structure is approved and executed, CSB and SJU will operate under boards with common members, a single president, and more integrated administrative leadership. This new governance and leadership structure is being referred to as “Strong Integration.” The long-standing “Coordinate Relationship” between CSB and SJU demonstrates a history of delivering excellent outcomes through an outstanding joint academic program. Strong Integration is a natural extension and strengthening of that current relationship. It is not a merger of the
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Newly instated SJU Transitional President Dr. James Mullen agrees. “The goal is to create the best experience for our students. The approach we are pursuing is innovative and could provide a model for other institutions around the nation.” two institutions; the college and university will remain two separate institutions aligned with their respective sponsoring monastic communities. Strong Integration necessitates no changes to the joint academic program, the admission of students or the separate conferring of degrees. “The common denominator,” said CSB Transitional President Laurie Hamen, “is the search for nimble and efficient frameworks for decision making and use of resources. This is a unique and innovative model.”
The collaborative work of the two institutions and two founding monastic communities is a vital part of what makes the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University such beloved and special places. According to a statement from Barb Brandes, Chair of the CSB Board of Trustees, and Dan McKeown, Chair of the SJU Board of Trustees, “This process has been guided throughout by the Benedictine values, the institutions’ missions, and the needs of our students, and we are proud to take this historic step in our shared history.”
