About the Chancellor
Dr. Randy Pembrook became the ninth chancellor in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s history on August 1, 2016. The Metro East native returned to the campus where he had earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be the chancellor of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville,” Pembrook said. “For me, it truly feels like coming home. I’m returning to my alma mater, which has grown significantly in national stature, as well as student enrollment.
“Because of SIUE’s people and its location, there are many amazing opportunities ahead. There are also challenges, but with the help of outstanding individuals at the institution and in the community, I know we will continue to achieve great things as a University.”
Before his return to SIUE, Pembrook served as the vice president for academic affairs at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas from 2011-16. He was the chief academic officer at Washburn, working with faculty, staff, students and administrators from the College of Arts and Sciences; Schools of Applied Studies, Business, Law, and Nursing; the Washburn Institute of Technology; Mabee Library/Student Success Center and Academic Outreach.
Pembrook worked closely with the directors of Washburn’s Center for Community and Civic Engagement, Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning, Honors Program, Leadership Institute, Mulvane Art Museum, Office of International Programs, the KTWU Public Television Station, and the Washburn Transformational Experience Program. In his last five years at Washburn, the University implemented more than 15 new programs, such as the doctor of nursing practice, master’s programs in accounting, addiction counseling, communication and leadership, health sciences, and law; and bachelor’s programs in entrepreneurship and innovation, environmental biology and forensics.
Before landing at Washburn, Pembrook served at Baker University for four years in several capacities, including executive vice president and provost, interim vice president for enrollment management, acting dean of the School of Professional and Graduate Studies, and special assistant to the president. He also has served as chief academic officer for Baker’s College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, School of Nursing, and School of Professional and Graduate Studies.
Before joining Baker in 2007, Pembrook was dean at the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he also served as associate dean of the Conservatory, chair of the Music Education/Music Therapy Division, and Conservatory faculty chair, as well as chair of a four-campus faculty committee reporting to the University of Missouri System president.
Pembrook earned an associate’s degree from Lewis and Clark Community College before achieving a bachelor’s in music education, a bachelor's in piano performance and a master's in music education from SIUE in 1978, 1979 and 1980, respectively. He earned a doctorate in music education from Florida State University in 1984.
A Greenfield native, Randy and his wife Mary Jo have two daughters, Sarah and Rachel.
