CSB alumna named president of Illinois College

Barbara A. Edwards Farley, a 1981 CSB graduate, has been named the 14^th President of Illinois College in Jacksonville, Ill. She will begin her presidency July 1, 2013, replacing Axel D. Steuer, who will retire at the end of the academic year (May 2013). 

Farley is the second CSB alumna to be named president of a college in 2012. 

"My leadership of Illinois College will be grounded in the college's values of excellence, integrity, community, justice, service, respect and openness," Farley said in a statement released by Illinois College. "I offer an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, enrollment strength and financial vitality." 

CSB President MaryAnn Baenninger noted that the appointment is a testimony to Farley's leadership skill and her commitment to residential liberal arts education. "I am pleased to welcome her as a fellow president, and as an ally in sustaining the liberal arts and sciences. As a successful alumna, she serves as a great inspiration for our current students and Bennies to come." 

Farley graduated from CSB in 1981 with a degree in business administration. She earned her doctorate in strategic management and organizational behavior, and master of business administration degrees from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.

According to the biography posted on the IC website, Farley states she "is a proud alumna of the College of Saint Benedict and credits her experiences at Benedictine institutions for instilling in her the values of listening, hospitality, justice, community living, stewardship and respect for all persons."

She is currently vice president of academic affairs and dean at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minn., a role she has had since 2006. Prior to her current role at Augsburg, Farley was also academic dean/associate dean and associate professor of business administration at the college. She also served as academic dean and chief academic officer at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Penn. and as chair and graduate program director in the management department at The College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, Minn. From 1985-94, Farley was an associate professor of management at CSB and SJU.

Founded in 1829, Illinois College is a residential liberal arts college located in Jacksonville, Ill. with an enrollment of nearly 1,000 students.