Millikin University President Pribbenow

Commencement is one of the most meaningful moments of the academic year and a powerful reminder of why our work matters. Congratulations, Millikin Class of 2026!

Kris and I kicked off the Forever True Blue Challenge and Founder's Day with Byers & Co. LIVE on campus!

A special thank you to Millikin University Board of Trustee members Tanya Andricks ‘95 and Dr. Larry Osborne ‘78 for joining us on the radio to help celebrate this momentous day for the Millikin community.

🎙️ Catch up on the Founder's Day Byers & Co. podcasts: https://nowdecatur.com/2026/04/30/listen-byers-co-live-from-millikin-university-for-founders-day/

This year, as we celebrate our 125th anniversary, the Forever True Blue Challenge serves as a powerful reminder that your support matters. Your generosity gives our students the freedom to focus, to grow and to fully experience everything Millikin has to offer.

Join me today in being part of something bigger.
Be Forever True Blue!

Happy FOREVER True Blue Challenge Day! It's time to officially celebrate Millikin University Day, marking 1️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ years of the Big Blue. 🎉

For 125 years, Millikin has transformed lives, and now you can join us in helping shape the future for the next generation of students. The Forever True Blue Challenge helps provide scholarships that open doors for our students to pursue their dreams. Ⓜ️💭

💙 Give TODAY and be Forever True Blue: millikin.edu/TrueBlue 🔗

You can also join the party on campus!
Founder's Day Celebration | 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. | UC

You'll enjoy:
🧁 Cake and punch for MU’s birthday;
🕰️ A time capsule ceremony;
🥳 Activities including games, giveaways and a photo booth;
🎶 A University Choir performance at noon;
And more!

It was a privilege to visit Macon Resources Inc. and see firsthand the life-changing work happening right here in Decatur. Each year, MRI serves hundreds of children and adults with developmental disabilities — an impact that reaches across the entire community. We are grateful for their continued partnership!

I am deeply grateful to the entire Millikin University community for making my inauguration such a meaningful and memorable day — my sincere thanks to you all.

Moments like these remind us that what makes Millikin so special is not only our history, but the people who bring Millikin to life every day. As we begin to celebrate 125 years, I am inspired by the legacy we carry forward and the future we are building together.

I am especially fortunate to share this journey with my wife, Kris, whose unwavering support and partnership continue to guide me.

I am immensely proud to serve as Millikin's 17th president. Here's to being Forever Blue.

I am deeply honored to celebrate this day with the Millikin community I am so proud to serve. Thank you all for being part of this special occasion.

Today marks a significant moment for Millikin University as we celebrate the inauguration of our 17th President, Dr. Dean Pribbenow.

Friday, April 10 | 1 p.m.
📍Kirkland Fine Arts Center

Unable to attend in person?
🎥 Watch online: millikin.edu/inauguration 🔗
(livestream begins at approximately 12:45 p.m.)

This occasion marks not only a new chapter for our institution, but also an opportunity for the Millikin community, near and far, to come together in affirmation of the institution’s mission, our cherished traditions and the shared vision that will shape our future.

It was an honor! Thank you to the Mount Zion Chamber of Commerce for joining us on campus, and for allowing me to share Millikin’s traditions, progress and visions for the future.

I had a great time discussing the Big Blue on WEIU TV Public Broadcasting Station!