Information for DelegatesSchedule of Inauguration EventsMeet President Dycus
An Emergent and Shared Vision
At EMU, together means more than proximity. It is a commitment to shared life across differences—intellectual,
cultural, and theological. It reflects a long tradition, deeply resonant in Black
culture and in the Anabaptist community, that understands we do not arrive alone.
Becoming names our movement. It resists the idea that education is only about arrival or achievement.
Instead, it points to formation—of mind, spirit, and character. It allows space for
growth, for questioning, for courage, and for change. It is about students discovering
who they are called to be, and a university willing to evolve in response to the needs
of the world it serves.
This October, we invite you to gather for Homecoming and Inauguration Weekend to celebrate this
duality. As we inaugurate Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus as the 10th President of Eastern Mennonite
University, we honor a community formed over 110 years—and we name clearly that our
work is not complete. We are grounded enough to move, and connected enough to grow.
Meet President Shannon W. Dycus
President Shannon W. Dycus assumes the presidency with a vision rooted in the power of community, the strength of our values, and an unwavering commitment to our students. Her leadership is defined by the impact of presence and vision — creating space for growth, bold ideas, and collective purpose. As we inaugurate our 10th president, we celebrate her leadership and the vibrant, inclusive future of ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø.
Prior to her appointment, Dr. Dycus served as interim president and vice president for student affairs, equity, and belonging at EMU. She is the first Black woman in EMU history named to this position.
Dr. Dycus has spent more than 20 years working in learning communities and ministry settings, including the past seven years at EMU. She served as dean of students from 2019-2023 and as vice president of student affairs and dean of students from 2023-2024 before being promoted to vice president for student affairs, equity and belonging (2024-2025). As vice president, she oversaw Student Life, DEI, and Athletics departments—and nurtured a co-curricular vision of social accountability, holistic well-being, and academic success for all students.
Learn More About President Dycus
²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø announced Monday, June 22, that it has named the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus as its 10th president.
Eight months into her interim presidency, Rev. Dr. Dycus reflects on progress made and the path ahead.
The Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus has taken the baton as EMU’s interim president, officially beginning her role on July 1, 2025.
Schedule of Inauguration Events
The events below mark the inauguration-specific celebrations honoring Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus as EMU’s 10th president. But the celebration extends well beyond these moments. President Dycus’s inauguration takes place within EMU’s 2026 Homecoming and Inauguration Weekend, bringing together alumni, students, families, friends, and community partners for a full weekend of connection, tradition, and celebration. We warmly invite you to join us for the inauguration events below and to experience all that Homecoming and Inauguration Weekend has to offer. Explore the full schedule and make plans to celebrate with us!
Explore the Full Weekend ScheduleInformation for Delegates
Wednesday, October 7
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Community Partners Luncheon
Location: Details: An invitation-only networking event with President Dycus and our Shenandoah Valley community partners.
Friday, October 9
5 p.m.-7 p.m. | The Inaugural Evening: An All-Black Affair
Location: Yoder Arena, Courts B and C, University Commons
Details: An invitation-only appreciation event for donors, VIPs, and friends of EMU, featuring student poetry,
a jazz band, and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
Saturday, October 10: Inauguration Day
10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Investiture of President Shannon W. Dycus
Location: Yoder Arena, Court A, University Commons
Details: The formal ceremony including the Presidential Address, musical selections, and the
Prayer of Blessing.
9 p.m. | Meet Me on the Quad: President’s Student Quad Party
Location: Woods Quad
Details: A celebration hosted by President Dycus for the student body.
Additional Links
Board of TrusteesMission, Vision, ValuesPresidents Emeriti
