Message from the President: Spring 2026

Dear Alumni and Friends, As many of you know, I announced my intention to retire from my beloved alma mater, effective June 30, 2026. This spring issue of Visions will be the final one published during my tenure, and it feels fitting to pause and reflect with gratitude on the extraordinary journey we have shared.

The decision to retire was not made lightly. Serving this institution — as a student, as a member of the leadership team and for the past eight years as president — has been the greatest honor of my professional life. Yet leadership also calls for discernment about timing. With strong momentum across the university and a talented leadership team firmly in place, I believe this is the right moment to pass the torch and support a thoughtful transition to the next chapter of our university’s story, allowing others to continue to bless with light.

I am deeply grateful to the many people who have made this journey so meaningful. To our remarkable faculty and staff your daily dedication to our students and to academic excellence are the true engine of this university’s success. To our students — past and present — you are the reason we do this work and your achievements continue to inspire me.

I am equally thankful to our loyal alumni and generous donors, whose engagement and philanthropy have continued to propel this historic institution forward while honoring its proud legacy. Our legislators, community leaders and IHL Board of Trustees have been vital partners as well, helping ensure that our university continues to serve as an engine of opportunity and economic vitality for our region and state.

Together, we have accomplished much. Over the past eight years we have:
• Navigated the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while keeping our community safe and our academic mission strong. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
• Established the Women’s College to honor our historic and continuing mission of providing educational and leadership opportunities for women.
• Attained full membership in the NCAA Division III and in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
• Expanded and enhanced our campus through key capital projects, including the new Culinary Arts facility; the grand opening of Turner Hall (former Demonstration School); south campus residence hall bathroom upgrades; the kickoff of the complete renovation of Jones Hall; and numerous HVAC, roofing and infrastructure improvements.
• Begun the pre-planning for the renovations of Painter Hall, Hogarth Center and the Old Pohl Gym.
• Reaffirmed programmatic and SACSCOC accreditation.
• Achieved historic fundraising success, exceeding our $25 million campaign goal ahead of schedule.
• Sharpened our focus on student success, innovation and community impact.
• Strengthened enrollment and student outcomes, positioning the university for longterm sustainability.

None of this work was accomplished alone. It reflects the collective commitment of an entire university community that understands both the depth of our history and the promise of our future. I am pleased that the IHL Board has appointed Dr. Scott Tollison to be our interim president, and I am confident that the IHL Board will identify a leader who will build upon our strong foundation.

I leave the presidency with profound confidence in this university and in the exceptional leadership team that will continue advancing our mission. While I may be stepping away from this role, I will never step away from supporting this university. I look forward to remaining an active and enthusiastic alumna — cheering on our students, supporting our faculty and staff and engaging with many of you at alumni events in the years to come.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve my alma mater — an institution with a proud history that continues to make history. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me and for the many ways you strengthen this university every day. Those of you who attended my investiture ceremony may remember that I spoke of the informal Roberts family toast that gives honor to our Irish roots, Erin Go Bragh, (Ireland Forever). In our family, however, as a farewell it simply means, “I love you and I’d better stop before I start to cry.” In that vein, I’ll close with

W Go Bragh,
Nora Roberts Miller, Class of 1983
President