August 29, 2019
The inauguration of Dr. Brian Van Horn as the 17th president of Mayville State University is planned for Friday, Sept. 13. The public is invited to attend the program which will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse on the campus of Mayville State. A reception will immediately follow the inauguration.
Dr. Brian Van Horn became the president of Mayville State University on July 1, 2018. He brings more than 20 years of experience in leadership roles within institutions of higher education. He most recently served as the associate provost and dean at Murray State University, Murray, Ky.
As a leader. Dr. Van Horn has a keen focus on student needs as a priority, with particular attention on access to education, growing academic programs and services, and strong town and gown community partnerships. Coming from a rural background, he understands the challenges faced in meeting critical workforce needs. He’s “Comet Proud” to lead the growth and transformation of Mayville State while remaining true to the school’s motto which serves as the foundation for all that happens at Mayville State University, “The School of Personal Service.”
A native of Benton, Ill., Van Horn graduated from Benton Consolidated High School before beginning college at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He played baseball there, and after attending SIUC for two years, he transferred to Murray State University, which set the direction for his work in life. He holds two degrees from Murray State, a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Public Administration. He earned a doctorate degree in leadership and policy studies from the University of Memphis.
Dr. Van Horn resides on a farm just outside of Mayville and has two children, Will and Ella. His family also includes his father, who served in WWII as a member of the U.S. Navy, and his mother. They live in Illinois.