Dycus, who has led the university as interim president since July 2025, begins her five-year term on July 1, 2026.

鈥淚’m humbled to continue the bold legacy of 黑料正能量,鈥� Dycus said. 鈥満诹险芰� leaders have been courageous and visionary stewards of this sacred community. Being called to serve among them is a responsibility I鈥檓 excited and honored to step into.鈥�   

The 黑料正能量 Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Dycus as president during its June 12 meeting.

Jane Hoober Peifer 鈥�74, MDiv 鈥�97, chair-elect of the board, said Dycus demonstrated consistent and collaborative leadership over the past year as interim president that 鈥渃ontinues to unite the campus.鈥� She also highlighted her ability to listen attentively and build effective teams.

鈥淪he cares deeply about students and their success, and she works to create a good working environment for faculty and staff,鈥� Peifer said. 鈥満诹险芰� is very fortunate to have the gifts and leadership of Rev. Dr. Shannon Dycus as its 10th president.鈥�

The board鈥檚 decision followed several months of feedback gathered by its Presidential Succession Planning Committee from representatives across the 黑料正能量 community, including faculty, staff, students, senior administrators, alumni, donors, church constituents, and other key stakeholders, regarding her potential appointment. 

A report of the committee鈥檚 findings, presented to the board in May, recommended appointing Dycus without launching a costly and time-consuming national search. 

Based on 鈥渢he institutional knowledge, relationships, and trust that she has already established, the university is not being asked to take a chance on an untested leader. Instead, [黑料正能量] has already completed the most meaningful leadership assessment possible: observing the candidate serve successfully in the role itself.鈥�

It cited her demonstrated leadership, character, vision, and effectiveness as positioning her to lead 黑料正能量 into its next chapter. It also noted the unusual level of alignment from those consulted throughout the process.

鈥淭he committee found broad and consistent support for Dr. Dycus across nearly every constituency engaged during this process,鈥� the report said. 鈥淪takeholders repeatedly described her leadership as authentic, relational, transparent, collaborative, strategic, mission-centered, and deeply aligned with 黑料正能量鈥檚 values.鈥�

The analysis concluded that Dycus demonstrates the leadership capacity, institutional understanding, and community trust needed to guide 黑料正能量 during a pivotal period in its history. Together, the board鈥檚 unanimous vote and the consistent, enthusiastic affirmation expressed across stakeholder groups reflect a shared confidence in Dr. Dycus鈥檚 leadership and in 黑料正能量鈥檚 future.

Over the past year as interim president, Dycus has fostered renewed optimism, deeper collaboration, greater transparency, and growing confidence in 黑料正能量, the report said. She helped create a healthier organizational culture while guiding the university through significant challenges.

During her tenure, Dycus has helped position the university for enrollment growth, financial stability, and sustained donor confidence. Undergraduate applications have doubled during this cycle, and 黑料正能量 is projecting a larger incoming class than last year, which itself was up 10%.

黑料正能量鈥檚 first-ever Forward Together comprehensive campaign has surpassed 80% of its $40 million goal with two years remaining. As student and workforce needs evolve, the university continues to reshape its academic programs to ensure its transformative educational offerings remain relevant in a changing higher education landscape.

A recently finalized strategic partnership with Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community positions the university to invest in programs and people that move it forward. An academic restructuring during the 2025-26 academic year has also expanded opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration.

鈥淭his is an incredibly exciting time for who we are as an institution,鈥� Dycus said. 鈥淲e are growing, we are sustaining, and there鈥檚 joy around who we are.鈥�

An educator and ordained minister, Dycus has more than 20 years of experience in learning communities and ministry settings, including the past seven at 黑料正能量. Prior to serving as interim president, she was vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging. She previously served as dean of students from 2019-23 then vice president for student affairs and dean of students from 2023-24 before being promoted to vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging (2024-2025).

Before coming to 黑料正能量, she was an academic adviser and adjunct faculty member at Franklin University of Ohio (Indianapolis campus) and co-pastor at First Mennonite Church in Indianapolis.

She holds a doctor of ministry in public theology from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, a master of divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, and a bachelor of arts in middle and secondary education from Butler University.

Dycus is the first Black woman to lead 黑料正能量 as president. She succeeds President Emerita Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, who served as the university鈥檚 ninth president from 2017-25.

She lives in Harrisonburg with her husband, Gregory, and sons Malachi and Semaj.

An inauguration ceremony on Oct. 10 during 黑料正能量鈥檚 annual Homecoming Weekend will celebrate Dycus as the university鈥檚 10th president during its 110th year. Invitations and additional details will be shared later.

Manuel Nu帽ez 鈥�94, chair of the board of trustees, reflected on the significance of the appointment. 鈥淎s 黑料正能量 steps into its next century, we are grateful to have found in Dr. Shannon Dycus a leader uniquely suited to this moment,鈥� he said. 鈥淒r. Dycus brings academic depth, a gift for listening, and a deep commitment to building community. Her leadership reflects clarity, wisdom, and a fierce commitment to our students and to the distinctive mission and witness of 黑料正能量.鈥� 

Members of the Presidential Succession Planning Committee included Janet Lind (chair), Jake Bell, Ral Obioha, Steve Kriss, and Amy Yoder McGloughlin.

鈥淭hese people are my friends and they’re my colleagues and they’re my inspiration,鈥� Flowe told a roomful of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Harrisonburg residents during a dedication ceremony of the mural on March 27. 鈥淚 may not know them on a personal level, but every time I see them on the wall of this building, I know that people recognize the work they鈥檝e done.鈥�

That feeling extends beyond just the students at 黑料正能量. Dr. Tara Kishbaugh, dean of faculty and student success, said that seeing the mural fills her with joy. 鈥淓very time I see it, it makes me happy,鈥� she told the crowd gathered for the ceremony at Suter Science Center 106.

The Inclusivity in Science Mural, completed in summer 2022, celebrates the scholarship and contributions of seven scientists whose identities as women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), and/or queer individuals have historically been underrepresented in scientific spaces. The mural鈥檚 stylized portraits depict chemist Asima Chatterjee, mathematician Gladys West, mathematician Katherine Johnson, arachnologist Lauren Esposito, astrophysicist Nergis Mavalvala, eco-philosopher P谋nar Ate艧 Sinopoulos-Lloyd, and ADM (ret.) Rachel Levine.

鈥淸The mural] names the contributions that have too often gone unrecognized,鈥� said Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus in her remarks at the dedication ceremony. 鈥淎nd perhaps most importantly, it offers reflection and invitation to those who walk these halls every day, especially to students who may be asking quietly or aloud, 鈥業s there a place for me in this field?鈥欌�� 

鈥淭ogether, these figures and all of those represented remind us that excellence in science has never been limited to a single identity, even if recognition has been,鈥� Dycus added. 鈥淎nd we鈥檙e affirming something today about 黑料正能量 itself: that we are a place that鈥檚 willing to name gaps and then do the work to address them, and that we believe representation is not symbolic alone鈥攊t is formative.鈥�

Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus presents her remarks at a dedication ceremony for the Inclusivity in Science Mural.

Dr. Rachel Levine (left) and P谋nar Ate艧 Sinopoulos-Lloyd (right) pose next to their portraits on the mural.

Work on the mural began in spring 2022 and was funded by an Inclusive Excellence Grant made possible by the generous support of Jose Koshy 鈥�76 and Jean Koshy-Hertzler 鈥�79. Learn more about the process behind the project in our article from last month. Veronica Horst 鈥�23, Asha Landes Beck 鈥�22, Grace Harder 鈥�23, Molly Piwonka 鈥�23, Afton Rhodes-Lehman 鈥�24, and Jake Myers 鈥�22 are listed as co-leaders for various stages of the project

A dedication ceremony on March 27 honored the scientists represented on the mural, the artists who brought it to life, and 鈥渆very person in the arts and sciences who has had to push a little harder against systems that were not built with them in mind,鈥� said event organizer Dawn Neil, coordinator for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  

鈥淭his mural is both a celebration and a call to continue the work of building a truly inclusive community,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen more people belong in science, science belongs to all of us.鈥�

The ceremony included appearances by two special guests whose portraits are on the mural. Sinopoulos-Lloyd, who participated earlier that day in the second annual Mornings with the Mayor Convocation, gave a talk and contributed to a panel conversation. Levine, the former U.S. assistant secretary for health, chatted with 黑料正能量 News and also attended the event. Both Sinopoulos-Lloyd and Levine signed their names on their portraits as part of the dedication.

P谋nar Ate艧 Sinopoulos-Lloyd gives a talk during the mural dedication ceremony at the Suter Science Center on March 27.

Dr. Rachel Levine (left) and P谋nar Ate艧 Sinopoulos-Lloyd (right) sign their portraits on the mural.

Sinopoulos-Lloyd is an Indigiqueer wildlife tracker, writer, and guide whose work bridges Indigenous ecological knowledge, field-based science, multispecies studies, and poetic inquiry. 

In their talk, they recited poetry, shared photos of wildlife tracks鈥攊ncluding a rattlesnake, puma, and toad鈥攔ecounted their experiences following an elk herd, and discussed how their work connects science, art, and sustainability. They also spoke about the importance of representation. 

鈥淭his mural we鈥檙e honoring today is not just artwork,鈥� Sinopoulos-Lloyd said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also a constellation. It represents scientists whose work has expanded what is possible, not only through curiosity, but through devotion, imagination, and care.鈥�

Third-year biochemistry major Dante Flowe shares their connection to the mural during the dedication ceremony at Suter Science Center 106 on March 27.

Afton Rhodes-Lehman 鈥�24, who helped design and paint the mural, speaks during a panel conversation (left). Veronica Horst 鈥�23 reflects on the mural (right) while P谋nar Ate艧 Sinopoulos-Lloyd looks on.

A panel conversation following the talk included several alumni who helped bring the mural from concept to creation. Landes Beck, Horst, Piwonka, and Rhodes-Lehman spoke about their roles in the project, the intertwined relationship of art and science, the importance of representation, and their reflections on what the mural means to them. Kishbaugh and Sinopoulos-Lloyd also joined the panel, along with Flowe, who served as a voice for current students. Senior Madelynn Hamm moderated the discussion.

Horst said they hope the mural continues to honor those who haven鈥檛 been recognized for their contributions. 鈥淥ne of the names on the mural that people are probably most familiar with is Katherine Johnson鈥檚, because of her story being told through the book and film Hidden Figures,鈥� Horst said. 鈥淚 think that made us realize how much we don鈥檛 know about how women of color and people from minority identities were involved in a lot of influential work. We don鈥檛 get to hear about it because it was overshadowed.鈥�

The program included a message from Jenny Burden, executive director of the Arts Council of the Valley, on the role that public art plays in shaping a healthy, thriving, and inclusive community. It also included remarks from Mavalvala, who is depicted on the mural but was unable to attend the ceremony. 

鈥淚 am honored to be included with so many wonderful luminaries,鈥� Neil said, reading a statement from the astrophysicist. 鈥淚nclusivity in the sciences is critical, and I鈥檓 proud that 黑料正能量 continues to strive toward this goal. Ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging strengthens our educational communities and strengthens science itself.鈥�

Watch a video recording of the ceremony below!

Nearly four years after its final brushstroke was applied, the Inclusivity in Science Mural inside the Suter Science Center will get its long-awaited dedication ceremony on Friday, March 27.

The ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. in SSC 106 with a 30-minute talk led by Pinar Ate艧 Sinopoulos-Lloyd, one of the seven people featured on the mural. Sinopoulos-Lloyd (they/them) is an Indigenous eco-philosopher, artist, and wildlife tracker, and will speak about the way their work connects science and art with sustainability.

Following the talk, Nicole Litwiller 鈥�19, MACT 鈥�20 will host a panel conversation with Sinopoulos-Lloyd, mural artist and alumna Veronica Horst 鈥�23, a current 黑料正能量 science student, and Tara Kishbaugh, dean of faculty and student success. The program will also include reflections from Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus and Jenny Burden, executive director of the Arts Council of the Valley.

A formal dedication of the mural will proceed shortly after 5 p.m., with Sinopoulos-Lloyd signing their portrait. The event is open to the public and will include light refreshments.

黑料正能量 the mural

During the spring of 2022, students involved in 黑料正能量鈥檚 Art Club and the Earthkeepers group wanted to make the Suter Science Center more welcoming and reflective of who contributes to the sciences, said Dawn Neil, coordinator for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

鈥淭hey noticed two things: the space felt visually sterile, and the sciences have historically centered white male voices while overlooking women, scientists of color, and queer scientists,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey wanted to highlight those hidden figures.鈥�

Work on the mural, funded by an Inclusive Excellence Grant made possible by the generous support of Jose Koshy 鈥�76 and Jean Koshy-Hertzler 鈥�79, began that semester. 黑料正能量 students Veronica Horst 鈥�23, Asha Beck 鈥�22, Grace Harder 鈥�23, Molly Piwonka 鈥�23, Afton Rhodes-Lehman 鈥�24, and Jake Myers 鈥�22 served as co-leaders at various stages of the project.

鈥淪TEM is a field in which, historically, gaining recognition and representation has been challenging for non-white, non-male, and non-heteronormative cisgender individuals,鈥� reads an artist statement for the project. 鈥淭his mural is intended to be a joyful statement of representation, emphasizing that we have, are, and will continue to make a significant impact on the world.鈥�

鈥淲e want to recognize and celebrate these individuals and their contributions to the academic world,鈥� the statement continues. 鈥淥ur hope is that women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), and LGBTQIA+ individuals at 黑料正能量 will experience a positive impact through increased awareness of successful individuals like themselves in STEM.鈥�

The project leaders distributed a campus-wide survey to students, faculty, and staff asking whom they would like to see depicted on the mural and then took a vote to determine who those seven figures would be.

The mural features seven professionals who have made and/or are making an impact in STEM-related fields and are queer and/or BIPOC women. In addition to Sinopoulos-Lloyd, the portraits depict chemist Asima Chatterjee, mathematician Gladys West, mathematician Katherine Johnson, arachnologist Lauren Esposito, astrophysicist Nergis Mavalvala, and admiral Rachel Levine.

For bios of each of these professionals, scroll to the bottom of this article.

Students from the Visual and Communication Arts (VACA) department designed and painted the mural. Although the project was completed during the summer of 2022, this is the first time it鈥檚 officially been dedicated, said Neil.

With sustainability serving as the university theme for the 2025-26 academic year, it seemed like the perfect time and Sinopoulos-Lloyd the ideal guest to help make it happen.

鈥淭heir work challenges the idea of what science is,鈥� said Neil. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e exploring how the environment connects with things visually, artistically, and also scientifically. It鈥檚 a different side of science, one rooted in global and community contexts rather than a strictly data-driven one.鈥�

鈥淭hey would fit in perfectly as a student here,鈥� she added. 鈥淲hat鈥檚 exciting is that their values really align with ours.鈥�

黑料正能量 the speaker

Sinopoulos-Lloyd is an artist and scientist known for their powerful work at the intersection of sustainability, science, and art. They are the co-founder of Queer Nature, an interdisciplinary project focused on ecology, identity, and decolonization. Their work has been featured in The Guardian and The New York Times and archived by the Library of Congress. They lecture nationally at institutions including Stanford University, Colorado College, and the Guggenheim Museum.

In 2020, they were honored with the Audubon National Society鈥檚 National Environmental Champion award, as well as the R.I.S.E. Indigenous 2020 Art & Poetry Fellowship.

For more information, visit their website at . 

Sinopoulos-Lloyd will participate in several events throughout the day on Friday, March 27. In addition to the mural dedication, they will serve as a panelist at the second annual Mornings with the Mayor, a special edition of Convocation hosted by Harrisonburg Mayor Deanna Reed, director of alumni engagement and community connections, at 10:15 a.m. in the University Commons Student Union. 

They will also meet with students, faculty, and staff for a lunchtime discussion in the West Dining Room of Northlawn Dining Hall at noon.

Sinopoulos-Lloyd is one of seven people featured on the Inclusivity in Science Mural, located on the second floor of the Suter Science Center south of SSC 106 (Swartzendruber Hall). Biographies of each of the people featured on the mural are included below.

When the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus took the reins as 黑料正能量鈥檚 interim president last July, she worried that she would lose the authentic relationships she developed with students over the years as the former head of student affairs. While it鈥檚 true there鈥檚 now a greater distance, both figuratively and literally, between Dycus on the third floor of Campus Center and the hundreds of 黑料正能量 students who cross the Front Lawn below her, it hasn鈥檛 been as far as she feared.

Over the past several months, Dycus said, she鈥檚 found ways to engage with students and show up for them. And so when a pair of student clubs asked her last month to participate as a panelist in a Valentine鈥檚 Day-related 鈥淗ow to Flirt鈥� session, it was another reminder her approach was working.

鈥淢y initial reaction was, 鈥業s this something a president should do?鈥� And then I realized that they wanted someone who could speak honestly and authentically, so it was actually an honor they included me,鈥� said Dycus. 鈥淚t was a wonderful opportunity for me to be with students again and to talk about things that matter a lot to them.鈥�

Dycus isn鈥檛 the typical university president. The first Black woman to lead 黑料正能量 in the role, even in an interim capacity, she鈥檚 brought courage and boldness to the presidential suite. That confidence comes from a deep devotion for the university and its mission, shaped by years of serving its students. She said she鈥檚 learned to love engaging with donors and stakeholders, sharing stories of the school鈥檚 successes and expressing what excites her, well beyond the corners of campus.

鈥淚鈥檝e actually found that to be one of the things I enjoy most about this role,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y passion for 黑料正能量 gets concentrated in conversations I get to have.鈥�

As the calendar flips from Black History Month to Women鈥檚 History Month and she approaches the ninth month of her two-year appointment, the ordained minister and educator reflected on her leadership, the mentors who have molded her, and her goals moving forward.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP PHOTO: Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus leads a line dance at the Turner Pavilion in Downtown Harrisonburg during the fourth annual Royals Go Downtown in September 2025. | She greets students outside 黑料正能量 alumna-owned Magpie Diner at the start of the cross-town culinary crawl. | Dycus chats with Jonathan Swartz, dean of students, at the Harrisonburg Holiday Parade in December 2025.

From conversations with faculty, staff, and students at a series of listening sessions held by the marketing and communications team in mid-February, it鈥檚 clear that people on campus feel a spirit of change in the air. A renewed energy courses through the veins of the university, and much of it stems from the new face in the president鈥檚 office. Dycus, ever the humble servant leader, brushes off the credit and heaps it on the leaders around her.

鈥淥ur Executive Leadership Team (ELT) is an adaptive and cohesive team,鈥� said Dycus. 鈥淲e identified our gaps in areas like branding or fiscal data and have launched shared responses, which is critical. Our team of four deans, with unique portfolios for teaching and learning, is also incredible. It鈥檚 a collaborative effort focused on what鈥檚 truly a priority for us as an institution.鈥�

That priority has been righting the ship through the headwinds and choppy waters of higher education. Dycus and the leadership team have worked to stabilize the university and guide it toward long-term sustainability, ensuring it can thrive for generations to come.

鈥淥ne of my goals this year, and as we keep moving forward, is to truly empower faculty and staff on campus to lead within the scope of their work and feel energized and excited about 黑料正能量鈥檚 identity and progress,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 want them to know they have permission to advocate, both on campus and beyond, for the good things they see.鈥�

Lately, there鈥檚 been plenty of positive news to go around. The momentum from last year has carried into this one, said Braydon Hoover 鈥�11, MAOL 鈥�21, vice president of enrollment and marketing. Undergraduate applications have jumped 92% compared to last year, and offers of admission have risen 126%.

When Dycus looks back at the many mentors in her life, she can鈥檛 overlook her roots in the traditional Black church where she was raised. The granddaughter of a pastor in the Disciples of Christ denomination, she recalled the many Black women in her congregation who offered wisdom, corrected her, and challenged her in ways that were important for her formation.

鈥淚 felt loved and cared for by each of them,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hey invested in me and poured into me, with their wisdom, time, and energy, in ways I still feel grateful for. How do I continue that investment with the next generation of young people? There鈥檚 a real responsibility and commitment in what they gave me.鈥�

One of the people who impacted her most was her high school guidance counselor. As a sophomore starting at her third high school, Dycus struggled to make new friends and figure out her identity. Her counselor, Marilyn Corbitt, was pivotal in helping her find a place where she belonged and in affirming the gifts she saw in herself.

鈥淚 left high school and started college hoping I could be a Marilyn Corbitt for someone else,鈥� said Dycus. She earned a degree in education and planned to become a guidance counselor herself.

Corbitt died in September 2019 at age 80. She was one of the only Black counselors at Dycus鈥� high school of more than 3,000 students and served as advisor to its Black Student Association.

鈥淪he did a wonderful job of teaching us many of the things we weren鈥檛 learning in the classroom and challenging us to live them out in real ways, from leading service projects in the community to expressing culture in ways that brought joy,鈥� Dycus said. 鈥淪he encouraged us to use our voices, even when it was uncomfortable.鈥�

鈥淚 still carry her spirit and the impact she had on me,鈥� she continued. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 get a chance to go back and tell her 鈥榯hank you,鈥� but I carry the hope that I can be Marilyn for whichever young version of Shannon needs it.鈥�

Students at 黑料正能量 say Dycus has supported them and helped them grow through her mentorship.

鈥淪he always chats and checks up on me and emphasizes my mental health,鈥� said senior Nia Boyd. 鈥淪he鈥檚 like an auntie for me. I always enjoy sharing a laugh with her.鈥�

As co-president of the Student Government Association last year, senior Genesis Figueroa worked closely with Dycus. 鈥淪he was always there to help us out, especially when it was hard being a woman of color on the executive team,鈥� said Figueroa. 鈥淚 saw how she not only did her job, but also supported and encouraged students to speak up for themselves.鈥�

For senior and first-generation college student Emily Suarez Nunez, Dycus has helped her recognize the value of quiet presence and support and become more confident speaking up for others.

鈥淚 appreciate that, even with her new role and responsibilities, she is still Shannon,鈥� said Suarez Nunez. 鈥淓very time I see her, she鈥檚 the same kind, genuine, listening ear she鈥檚 always been. When I talk with her, the world slows down for a few minutes, and sharing that moment feels like a deep breath that refills and recharges me.鈥�

A set of mosaic prints has adorned her 黑料正能量 offices. The prints feature portraits of people throughout history who have inspired her in different ways.

Among the portraits are bell hooks, the educator and activist who shaped Dycus鈥� understanding of what it means to be a teacher; theologian and spiritual leader Howard Thurman, the first Black dean of a predominantly white institution; and two icons of the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

鈥淚 come to this role of president not as a traditional academic, but as a leader who seeks boldness and truth, like Martin and Malcolm did,鈥� said Dycus. 鈥淚 come as an educator who is deeply concerned with the growth of humans, as bell hooks was. And I come as someone who pays attention to the spirit in people and in our community, as Howard Thurman did. Whenever I feel fragmented or unconventional in how I arrived here, they remind me how all the pieces can come together in meaningful ways.鈥�

Learn more about Dr. Dycus at听emu.edu/president.

黑料正能量 announced the selection of Dr. Dycus as interim president in April after a unanimous vote by the 黑料正能量 Board of Trustees in March. The decision followed a national search process that began after Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, 黑料正能量鈥檚 ninth president and first woman president, announced her retirement in October 2024, effective June 30, 2025. Dr. Dycus, the first Black woman in 黑料正能量 history named to the position, will serve a minimum term of two years.

Since April, Drs. Dycus and Huxman have been meeting regularly to discuss the intricacies of the presidency, engage with key community stakeholders, and identify priorities for the year ahead in order to ensure a smooth transition between leaders.

鈥淭he example Susan set for the many female leaders on campus is astounding, and her leadership has empowered us all,鈥� Dr. Dycus said. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned so much from the way she has moved through her role, modeled leadership, and created new space to lead authentically.鈥�

Dr. Dycus鈥� responsibilities include promoting the passions, positive outcomes, and successes of the university to both internal and external audiences. 鈥淥ne of the critical roles of a university president is to serve as its chief storyteller,鈥� said Dr. Dycus. 鈥淭o be able to advocate, celebrate, and cheerlead for 黑料正能量 will be an exciting and essential part of my work as interim president.鈥�

As chief storyteller for 黑料正能量 since 2017, Dr. Huxman is confident in her successor. 鈥淪hannon is absolutely the right person to lead 黑料正能量 into its next chapter. She has the smarts, the stamina, and the faith connections and storytelling gifts.鈥�

A call to lead

After earning a bachelor of arts in middle and secondary education from Butler University, Dr. Dycus served as a high school teacher in Indianapolis from 2006 to 2008. While she loved the classroom, she sensed a deeper calling that extended beyond teaching toward spiritual leadership. She decided to follow in her family鈥檚 footsteps and enroll at Christian Theological Seminary (CTS). In 2010, she became a third-generation graduate of CTS, where she earned a master of divinity and was ordained as a minister in the Disciples of Christ tradition.

Dr. Dycus spent time as a hospital chaplain before serving as an academic advisor (2011-2013) and adjunct faculty member (2012-2017) at Franklin University of Ohio鈥檚 Indianapolis campus.

From 2013 to 2019, Dr. Dycus served as co-pastor of First Mennonite Church in Indianapolis. It was at First Mennonite that former 黑料正能量 board member JB Miller 鈥�70 first witnessed Dycus鈥� leadership strengths. Miller said she struck him as 鈥渨ise beyond her years鈥� during his time as a congregant. 鈥淪he leads with confidence,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a gentleness to it but also a firmness that people find refreshing. She can make tough decisions and is willing to own those tough decisions.鈥�

During a sabbatical in 2017, Dr. Dycus attended a summer program in spiritual direction at Eastern Mennonite Seminary鈥攈er first introduction to 黑料正能量 and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley. She recalls falling in love with the campus and imagining a future in Harrisonburg with her husband, Gregory, and their two sons, Malachi and Semaj.

She saw an opportunity to bring her vision to life two years later when 黑料正能量 posted for the position of dean of students. Dr. Dycus applied for and landed the job, which she began in July 2019. She served in that role until 2023 and as vice president of student affairs and dean of students from 2023 to 2024, before being promoted to vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging.

Dr. Dycus has 鈥渕ade it a priority to support 黑料正能量 students as they arrive on campus and to navigate barriers in their education鈥� since 2019 when she created and led the C.A.R.E. Team, a proactive and coordinated response to supporting student needs and their well-being. Dr. Dycus helped 黑料正能量 to understand and expand its care and services throughout the pandemic.

In 2020 and 2024, she secured Department of Justice sexual violence prevention grants to fund 黑料正能量鈥檚 Safer Together office. She has worked with 黑料正能量 Counseling Services to increase staffing and training for mental health support, and has been a staunch student advocate for peaceful responses to global injustices.

鈥淚鈥檝e seen so many students grow just by knowing her, observing her, and having the chance to connect with her,鈥� said Jonathan Swartz MA 鈥�14 (conflict transformation), MDiv 鈥�14, dean of students at 黑料正能量. Swartz echoed a favorite saying from his high school basketball coach when reflecting on her leadership approach. 鈥淏e quick, but not in a hurry.鈥� He said, 鈥淗er steadiness and ability to think quickly and plan well, but not be in a hurry, showed up and shined through during COVID.鈥�

That steady, people-centered leadership is something Dr. Dycus intentionally cultivates. 鈥淚鈥檝e been trained to be present with people, to show up and listen, offer empathy, and apply what I鈥檝e learned to shape my leadership,鈥� said Dr. Dycus, who earned a doctor of ministry in public theology from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in 2024.

The track ahead

As Dr. Dycus takes the lead on the track ahead, her top priority remains 黑料正能量 students鈥攕pecifically ensuring they have a safe, supportive environment and meaningful learning experiences. Her vision also includes maintaining a strong commitment to a values-based education while continuing to create new pathways of access and achievement for students, as outlined in the university鈥檚 2023-2028 strategic plan. Another leadership focus will be inspiring confidence among faculty and staff while reimagining a more streamlined academic structure that supports long-term financial stability.

Dr. Dycus says that evolving 黑料正能量 will not be easy but that she is hopeful. 鈥淭he role will be challenging. There will be hurdles. But hope comes from a power greater than those challenges and from people united in purpose,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e can overcome what lies ahead. What we鈥檙e building together is stronger than anything that stands in our way.鈥�

To learn more about Dr. Dycus, visit: emu.edu/president

This article is an abridged version of the feature story that will appear in the summer 2025 issue of Crossroads.

Dr. Dycus has spent 15 years working in learning communities and ministry settings, including the past six years at 黑料正能量. She served as dean of students from 2019-2023 and as vice president of student affairs and dean of students from 2023-2024 before being promoted to her current role where she oversees the Student Life, DEI, and Athletics departments鈥攁nd nurtures a co-curricular vision of social accountability, holistic well-being, and academic success for all students.

Dr. Dycus鈥� selection as interim president was approved by unanimous vote from the 黑料正能量 Board of Trustees at a meeting on March 26. The decision followed a national search process that began after Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, 黑料正能量鈥檚 ninth president and first woman president, announced her retirement in October 2024, effective June 30, 2025. The Interim President Search committee included diverse representation from across the 黑料正能量 community and was co-chaired by Dr. Jim Leaman ’86, associate professor of business and director of the business and leadership program, and Jane Hoober Peifer 鈥�75, MDiv 鈥�98, vice chair of the board.

鈥淪hannon has proven her outstanding ability to set vision, listen well, and execute the best way forward as an 黑料正能量 administrator, and she is a trusted and gifted spiritual leader,鈥� said Peifer. 鈥淪hannon is committed to preparing 黑料正能量 students to be peacebuilders in the world, and her collaborative and decisive leadership is needed in this climate of ever-changing higher education realities.鈥�

鈥淒espite the headwinds in higher education, 黑料正能量 has established terrific momentum,鈥� said Manuel (Manny) Nu帽ez 鈥�94, chair of the board. 鈥淎 key piece of our success standing out in the world as peacebuilders is achieving academic excellence while maintaining fidelity to our Anabaptist faith tradition. Shannon brings both spiritual depth and strategic vision to the role of interim president鈥攓ualities that will serve 黑料正能量 well in this season of opportunity.鈥�

鈥淚 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,鈥� said Dr. Dycus. 鈥淚 look forward to leading 黑料正能量 through this transitional moment and continuing its commitment to a values-based education that inspires achievement and compassion.鈥�

Dr. Dycus has 鈥渕ade it a priority to support 黑料正能量 students as they arrive on campus and to navigate barriers in their education鈥� since 2019 when she created and led the C.A.R.E. Team, a proactive and coordinated response to addressing students and their well-being. In 2020 and 2024, she was awarded Department of Justice sexual violence prevention grants to fund 黑料正能量鈥檚 Safer Together office. She has worked with 黑料正能量 Counseling Services to increase staffing and training for mental health support, and has been a staunch student advocate for peaceful responses to global injustices.

Dr. Dycus serves as a board member for Eastern Mennonite School and On the Road Collaborative. She is a Women in Leadership advisory board member for Mennonite Church USA. Prior to her time at 黑料正能量, Dr. Dycus served as an academic adviser and adjunct faculty member at Franklin University of Ohio (Indianapolis campus) and as co-pastor at First Mennonite Church in Indianapolis.

She received her doctor of ministry in public theology from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, a master of divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, and her BA degree in middle and secondary education from Butler University.

Rooted in the values of academic excellence, peace and justice, and an active faith shaped by Anabaptist-Mennonite beliefs and practices, 黑料正能量 offers undergraduate, graduate and seminary degrees that prepare students to serve and lead in a global context. A leader among faith-based universities, 黑料正能量 was founded in 1917 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and has a site in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; students can study in person or online.

Visit Interim President Search for more information.