The dean of Illinois State University’s College of Education will resign this summer after only a year on the job.
Francis Godwyll announced his resignation Wednesday, citing “significant shifts in my family dynamics.” His resignation is effective June 30. He started in that role on June 1, 2022.
“I have enjoyed my time leading the college and serving the institution,” said Godwyll, who plans to stay in the College of Education as a faculty member after he steps down as dean.
Interim Provost Ani Yazedjian will be meeting with stakeholders in the College of Education to determine plans for future leadership of the college, an ISU spokesperson said.
Godwyll came to ISU from Western Illinois University, where he was dean in the College of Education and Human Services. He earned degrees at universities in Ghana and Germany.
At his hiring, then-ISU Provost Aondover Tarhule praised Godwyll’s experience leading “several institutions across three continents,” among other accomplishments.
Godwyll succeeded former dean Jim Wolfinger, who left in June 2022 to become education dean at St. John’s University in New York.
Teacher preparation is one of ISU’s marquee programs, tracing back to the university’s roots as a teaching college. ISU is the largest preparer of teachers at the bachelor’s or initial level in Illinois.
Godwyll is the latest high-profile administrator to leave his role. President Terri Goss Kinzy resigned in February. Athletics Director Kyle Brennan resigned earlier this month after WGLT raised questions about spending on a donor trip. Jonathan Lackland, ISU's director of governmental relations and chief lobbyist in Springfield, departed in December. Both Brennan and Lackland were members of Kinzy’s cabinet.
