PEORIA, Ill. – Federal Judge James Shadid, who has served the Central District of Illinois, has been named the new President of Bradley University.
In a statement from the university, the Bradley Board of Trustees unanimously approved Shadid at its March 12 meeting.
Shadid graduated from Bradley University in 1979. He becomes Bradley’s 13th president in its 128 year history.
“Bradley has been a major part of my life for virtually my entire life,” Shadid says. “Few other influences have made a more profound impact on me, and now I hope, with lots of help, to return that favor. I am honored, humbled and grateful for this opportunity. I am thankful for Jon and his leadership in the interim role, and I thank the search committee and the Board of Trustees for their confidence in me.”
“We don’t think we could have made a better choice at this juncture of the university’s history,” Matt Vonachen, interim chair of the Bradley Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, says. “Jim really stood out among the finalists for his knowledge of the university and his insights into what the institution’s needs are now and into the future. And, of course, his lifetime commitment to Bradley speaks for itself.”
“As I prepare to pass the torch, I am delighted to welcome Jim as Bradley University’s President. I have no doubt that under his leadership, Bradley will continue to thrive and build upon its legacy of excellence,” Jonathan Michael, Bradley’s Interim President, says. “It has been an honor to serve as Bradley’s interim president and to work alongside our dedicated faculty, staff, and students. During my time in this role, I have gained an even deeper appreciation for the passion and commitment that make Bradley such a special place.”
Shadid takes over for former President Stephen Standifird, who left Bradley last June. Bradley Board chairman and retired CEO of RLI Corp. Jonathan Michael has served as interim since then.
Shadid officially begins his new role at Bradley University on April 1st.
