Combining the opportunity to lead one of Wisconsin’s elite nursing programs with returning home to be closer to family, Illinois State University Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Janet Krejci announced she will leave the University in December to accept the position of dean of nursing at Marquette University in Milwaukee.
Janet Krejci
“This was a very difficult decision. My love of ISU runs deep and strong,” said Krejci, who is originally from Wisconsin and formerly served as an administrator at Marquette. “I was not looking to leave. But given recent family issues, the idea of returning home to Wisconsin became more attractive as Marquette University continued to invite my return.” Krejci will oversee the College of Nursing at Marquette, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing.
“Though we are sad to lose our vibrant and inspiring provost, we understand fully her need to choose opportunities that bring her close to home and family,” said Illinois State University President Larry Dietz. “The entire University community can express its deepest gratitude for Dr. Krejci’s contributions to making Illinois State strong.”
Krejci arrived at Illinois State in 2009 as the dean of the Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) after working at Marquette for 20 years as a member of the faculty and administration. During her time as the head of MCN, Krejci oversaw the opening of the Nursing Simulation Laboratory, the addition of a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and nursing licensure examination pass rates that consistently surpassed the national average. The College doubled undergraduate enrollment under her stewardship, and nursing faculty members received more than a $1 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other institutions. Appointed interim vice president for Academic Affairs and provost in 2014, Krejci was named provost in 2015.
Jan Murphy, who has been serving Illinois State as interim dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST), has been appointed interim vice president for Academic Affairs and provost beginning in January 2017. Murphy will serve in that capacity until a national search produces the University’s next continuing provost.
“Dr. Murphy has a long and successful record of service to Illinois State,” said Dietz. “Under her guidance, this will be a seamless transition.”
No stranger to the Office of the Provost, Murphy served as an associate provost for the University for more than 10 years, including time as interim provost. Her Illinois State career spans more than 20 years at the department, college, and university levels. She served roles in CAST that include former assistant dean, associate dean, and chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. She also served as director of Campus Dining Services.
