Dr. Eileen Hulme never imagined she’d end up working in higher education – let alone serving as Chancellor of IWU-National & Global. She joined the National & Global leadership team in 2020 as the Vice President for Enterprise Development and Regional Strategy, and she assumed the Chancellor role after Dr. Matt Lucas stepped down in February of 2022.
Connecting with students from an executive position can be difficult, but Dr. Hulme’s first
passion in her career was empowering students to develop their potential, and that goal remains the same in her administrative roles. We sat down with Dr. Hulme to learn more about what she does as Chancellor and how her vision will impact the University.
Q: Can you share some information about your typical responsibilities as chancellor?
A: My role has a variety of different responsibilities. I serve as the chief administrative officer of National & Global, under the President of the University. Within that role, I oversee and manage the various departments and offices in National & Global and work closely with faculty and staff to identify challenges and solutions. I also serve on IWU’s executive committee which is led by the president and comprised of the executive-level leaders of the seminary, IWU-Marion, and central administration.
Another responsibility that the role carries is to build partnerships in the communities where our regional centers reside. This external aspect of my job focuses on increasing visibility for IWU by working with businesses, non-profits, and school districts across our three-state region.
At the heart of what I do is making N&G an organization focused on student learning, expressing God’s love and care for everyone who attends. I get the privilege to lead an exemplary group of individuals who are committed to putting students first.
Q: What brought you to Indiana Wesleyan University?
A: Before coming to IWU, I never considered moving to the Midwest. I didn’t even own a heavy coat. But I knew Matt Lucas well, and he inspired me to come based on all the important work being done through N&G. When the position to facilitate advancement at our regional centers opened, I knew in my spirit that IWU was where God wanted me. Throughout my career, God has opened doors and led me to roles I never expected – and I certainly never expected to become the Chancellor.
Q: As you look to the future, what is your vision for IWU-National & Global?
A: I believe God has a prosperous future for IWU-National & Global. My vision is to seek Him with my whole heart and to listen carefully as He guides our steps. I believe that our best days are ahead of us if we have the courage to make hard decisions, the compassion to care for our students, staff, and faculty well, and the wisdom to understand we will make mistakes and to learn from them.
Q: What do you want students to know about you?
A: In this role, I don’t see students as much as I did when I was a professor, but my door is always open to them. I want their college experience to be life-changing, engaging, and career-building. I need to hear from them to build that future together.
Thank you, Dr. Hulme, for taking the time to sit down with us and share your passion for higher education.