Shannon W. Dycus has been named the first Black woman president of Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She is slated to begin her five-year presidential term on July 1.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, Eastern Mennonite University enrolls nearly 800 undergraduates and more than 300 graduate students. Black students represent 14 percent of the undergraduate student body.
An administrator at the university for the past several years, Dr. Dycus has led Eastern Mennonite University on an interim basis since July 2025. Before her interim appointment, she was vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging. Earlier in her tenure, she was dean of students for four years. Prior to joining the university, Dr. Dycus was an academic advisor and adjunct faculty member at Franklin University of Ohio’s Indianapolis campus and co-pastor at the First Mennonite Church in Indianapolis.
“I’m humbled to continue the bold legacy of EMU,” said Dr. Dycus. “EMU leaders have been courageous and visionary stewards of this sacred community. Being called to serve among them is a responsibility I’m excited and honored to step into.”
Dr. Dycus is a graduate of Butler University in Indiana, where she majored in middle and secondary education. She holds a master of divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, and a doctor of ministry degree in public theology from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in Minnesota.
