Central Methodist University alumnus and vice president for advancement and alumni relations Bill Sheehan was named executive vice president last week, adding to his list of accomplishments at his alma mater.
In a statement to the campus community, President Roger Drake wrote that Sheehan will have executive decision-making authority in his new role, and his actions will carry the same weight as if they came from the office of the president. Issues related to academics, faculty governance, and the curriculum will remain under the full purview of the provost, Dr. Rita Gulstad.
“I am so happy that three years ago, Bill Sheehan decided to come home,” said Drake. “He was a young leader on this campus as dean of students and his father was a faculty member of note, so Bill is poised to contribute significantly to the leadership of Central Methodist in the years to come.”
Sheehan is also grateful for the opportunity to continue his contributions to the university that has been a cornerstone of his life.
“I am thrilled to be a part of CMU at such an exciting time, and I am honored to be taking on this new role,” said Sheehan, who graduated from Central in 1984. “The trust placed in me by Dr. Drake and the leadership team is humbling, and I feel blessed to be contributing to the incredible legacy that we are building upon at Central. Working with our students every day as they prepare for their futures is a privilege, and I am grateful to be a part of that process.”
Having led the advancement team as vice president since his return in early 2020, Sheehan’s experience and love for Central has helped cultivate relationships between alumni and the University. Sheehan has spent more than 25 years in the field of higher education development, previously working at Culver Stockton College, Westminster College, the University of Missouri, and Columbia College.
Sheehan and his wife Wendy, also a Central alumna from 1987, currently reside in Fayette.