MONMOUTH, IL – Monmouth College has announced that Patricia Draves has been appointed as the 15th president of the university, bringing with her extensive experience in higher education and a background as a former chemistry professor at Monmouth. Following a nationwide search, Draves was unanimously selected by the Monmouth College Board of Trustees. She previously served as president of Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, in 2017.
Draves expressed her excitement about joining Monmouth College, recognizing it as a place that prepares students for meaningful careers and lives of service and leadership. Her tenure at Graceland was marked by notable achievements, including the implementation of the Blue, Gold & Bold Plan, which introduced a new academic model focusing on transformational leadership for undergraduate students. Additionally, Draves played a pivotal role in fundraising efforts, securing over $55 million for the university, and navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to her presidency at Graceland, Draves served as vice president for academic affairs at the University of Mount Union in Ohio. The Monmouth College Board of Trustees expressed confidence in Dr. Draves’ leadership abilities and her commitment to advancing the college’s mission.
Draves, alongside her husband Jeff, who is an alumnus of Monmouth College, previously served on the college’s chemistry faculty. The couple has twin sons, both graduates of liberal arts colleges, and a daughter, Alison, who passed away in 2007. Draves expressed enthusiasm for returning to Monmouth, a community she fell in love with over 30 years ago, and looks forward to contributing to both the college and the city of Monmouth.
Notably, Draves becomes the third Monmouth president with previous experience in the presidency, following David Wallace and Duncan Wimpress. She is also the first president to have served on the college’s faculty, adding a unique perspective to her leadership role.
