EIU Media Relations

Hendrickson Named Interim Dean of EIU Graduate School

Ryan C. Hendrickson, a professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University, has been chosen to serve as interim dean of the institution’s Graduate School, Research and International Programs.      

The appointment goes into effect July 1, 2015.  He will replace Robert Augustine, who has been appointed to a two-year term as the Council of Graduate Schools’ senior vice president.

“While Dean Augustine leaves an accomplished legacy of leadership of our graduate programs, I look forward to working with Dr. Hendrickson to continue to enhance our excellence in graduate education,” said Blair Lord, provost and vice president for academic affairs.  “He has extensive experience as a graduate coordinator, and has worked with all of the units that report to the graduate dean.  I know Eastern's excellence in all these areas will continue under Dr. Hendrickson's leadership.”

During his 14 years as coordinator of graduate studies for Eastern’s Department of Political Science, Hendrickson has helped the department receive designation as one of EIU's "First Choice" graduate programs twice -- in both 2008 and 2015.

Since coming to Eastern in 1999, he has published three books, along with more than 70 journal articles, book chapters and essays. In addition, he has received a number of university-wide awards for teaching excellence and mentoring in graduate and undergraduate education.

"I am honored to be selected as Eastern Illinois University's interim graduate dean,” Hendrickson said.  “Eastern has outstanding graduate programs and offerings. I look forward to serving as an advocate for graduate education at EIU, as well as for our outstanding international programs, and our research and grants endeavors."