SIU Names Daniel Mahony New President

SIU's Board of Trustees will vote Thursday on the appointment of a new system president.

The university announced Tuesday the selection of Daniel Mahony as the system's new leader. Mahony currently serves as President of Winthrop University in South Carolina.

Photo Credit: Southern Illinois University

“I’m excited about working across the system to advance all of SIU,” Mahony said. “The level of commitment to the system’s success and to the welfare of its campuses is clearly strong, from the Board of Trustees to faculty and staff to community members, alumni and donors. SIU has a powerful impact on students and the SIU region, and I look forward to building on its strong foundation.”

Mahony's proposed four-year contract includes a $435,000 annual salary, and he'll start in March of next year. He takes over for Interim President Kevin Dorsey, who has led the SIU System since Randy Dunn's departure in 2018.

In addition to leading Winthrop University, Mahony has leadership experience at Kent State University and the University of Louisville. SIU Board Chair Phil Gilbert says Mahony's work in strategic planning, fundraising, and collaborative leadership made him the ideal candidate.

“Dr. Mahony is a proven leader and problem solver who has been described as a visionary in his professional experience,” Gilbert said. “He has had success in key areas of importance to SIU to include enrollment strategies, diversity and inclusion, improving finances, and communicating effectively with internal and external agencies to include foundations and legislative bodies.”

Mahony will be introduced later this week in Carbondale and Edwardsville.