Willamette University Names Vice President

She replaces Robin Brown who left Willamette to assume a position at the Colorado State University in Ft. Collins.

(SALEM) - Madeleine Eagon Rhyneer has been named Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid at Willamette University effective July 1st.

“We are pleased to welcome Madeleine to our community,” said Willamette University President Lee Pelton. “She fills a critical position within the senior administration. Her 29 years of experience in this highly competitive field will serve us well as Willamette continues to attract the very best students to our campus.”

Rhyneer is currently the Vice President for Strategic Communications at DePauw University.

During her 11 years of service at DePauw, she held the position of Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid for nine years.

Before DePauw, she was the Director of Admission at Whitman College from 1985-95, having served as assistant director and then associate director from 1978-85. She is a Whitman alumna.

“Having grown up in the Seattle area, I always had a very high opinion of Willamette University, and my respect for the outstanding educational experience provided by the University has deepened over the years,” Rhyneer said. “Colleges are really all about people, and I am tremendously impressed by the energy and commitment of the students, faculty members and administrators at Willamette.”

She added, “I am especially pleased to have the opportunity to work under the leadership of President Lee Pelton, whose vision is dynamic and exciting. I am honored to be able to build upon the University's many strengths by enrolling top students who will prepare to become future leaders in their communities across the nation.”

At Willamette, Rhyneer will be responsible for all Admissions activities for the College of Liberal Arts and the Master of Arts in Teaching Program in the School of Education.

Her staff reviews approximately 3,200 student applications a year and oversees an annual financial aid budget of more than $66 million.

Rhyneer is chair of the College Board Trustee Committee on Membership and was elected trustee of the College Board for 2003-07 and elected to the Executive Committee in 2006.