Monmouth College’s new president Patricia Draves was officially inaugurated on Friday as a part of Homecoming festivities.
In a ceremony in front of Wallace Hall, named for Monmouth’s first president, Draves said, “It is not just a privilege to be your president; it is an honor to be entrusted with the legacy of Monmouth College.”
Among the top priorities Draves laid out in her address; increasing enrollment, and keeping Monmouth affordable while delivering a quality education.
She also said it was important to focus on the “digital transformation” that will equip students in an increasingly connected world.
She added, “Together, we will forge a path toward a future filled with promise, innovation and opportunity — a future that is rooted in our legacy while embracing the boundless potential of what is yet to come as we grow into our future.”
Draves was announced as Clarence Wyatt’s successor in March and began her presidency in July.
Draves has served as president of Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa since 2017 but has an extensive background in higher education including a stint as a chemistry professor at Monmouth.
Her husband Jeff is also a alumnus of the college, as well as a former chemistry professor at the school.
