President and Senior Leadership
Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus
Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus began serving as interim president on July 1, 2025. Prior to this two-year appointment, Dr. Dycus served as vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging at EMU. She is the first Black woman in EMU history named to this position.
Dr. Tynisha D. Willingham, Provost
Dr. Tynisha D. Willingham has served as provost of EMU since July 3, 2023. Prior to
that, she was vice president of academic affairs, chief academic officer and professor
of education at Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia.
Braydon Hoover, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing
Braydon P. Hoover '11, MA '21 became Vice President for Enrollment in July of 2024. In July of 2025, his leadership portfolio expanded to include the department of Marketing and Communications. He has served EMU since he graduated in 2011, most recently as Associate Vice President for Advancement where he provided strategic leadership over annual giving efforts. As Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, Braydon marries past advocacy expertise with marketing and sales acumen, and joins a team of deeply relational folks dedicated to inspiring and supporting each student toward their educational and professional goals.
Dr. Shawn Ramer, Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Shawn Ramer joined EMU as its Chief Operating Officer on October 9th, 2023. In this role, he works with leadership, staff, and faculty to ensure the smooth and efficient operations of the University. Shawn has extensive experience in leadership in large and small systems, organizational transformation, financial management, and technology innovation. Shawn joined EMU as COO following two years on the EMU board of directors and three years on EMU’s President’s Second Century Advisory. Shawn is a third-generation EMU graduate, where he earned a BA in chemistry. He also holds a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Alberta, and was a postdoctoral research fellow in biological chemistry and molecular pharmacology at Harvard Medical School.
Kirk Shisler, Vice President for Advancement
Kirk L. Shisler, was named vice president for advancement at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø, since 2005. Shisler, a 1981 EMU alum, oversees the 30-member advancement division.
Natasha Walker, Vice President for Finance
Natasha Walker was appointed Vice President for Finance in July of 2025. Bringing over 20 years of strategic financial leadership across higher education and nonprofit sectors, Natasha is a seasoned executive with deep expertise in financial planning, forecasting, operational management, and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining EMU, she held key financial leadership roles at institutions such as the University of Baltimore, Prince George’s Community College, and Stratford University.
