Methodist College’s Board of Directors is proud to announce Dr. Laurie Shanderson, Ph.D. as the college’s next Chancellor. Dr. Shanderson comes to Central Illinois with more than 20 years of higher education experience, most recently as Founding Dean of the School of Health Sciences at Northcentral University, a private online university headquartered in San Diego, California.
Dr. Shanderson will begin her role as Chancellor August 16, 2021. She will succeed Dr. Tracy Poelvoorde, who has served as the college’s Interim Chancellor.
In addition to several higher education roles, Dr. Shanderson has worked for health insurance organizations, non-profit health organizations, and a research institute.
“Dr. Shanderson’s diverse professional background will be a great asset to her leadership role as Chancellor here at Methodist College,” said Dr. Jerry Bell, Chairman of the Board for Methodist College. “She will uphold our mission to promote holistic development for our student population.”
“The education Methodist College provides is extremely valuable to our community. We are excited to welcome Dr. Shanderson to this integral role as a leader in educating the next generation of healthcare heroes,” added Dr. Keith Knepp, CEO of UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois.
Dr. Shanderson has a bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Services from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a master’s degree in Public Administration/Health Administration from Pace University, and a Ph.D. in Health Services Administration from Walden University. She is also a Fellow (FACHE) of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
“I am more than thrilled to become the Chancellor at Methodist College,” added Dr. Shanderson. “Methodist is truly a hidden gem and I am excited to work with the faculty and staff to ensure that our students are prepared to continue to positively impact the health outcomes of the communities we serve.”
Located in Peoria Illinois,
Methodist College is a four-year institution of higher education affiliated with UnityPoint Health that is focused on nursing, health sciences, and human services baccalaureate and graduate programs. For more information about the College, visit
methodistcol.edu or call (309) 672-5513.
About UnityPoint Health
UnityPoint Health is one of the nation's most integrated health systems, providing care to both metropolitan and rural communities across Iowa, western Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, UnityPoint Health has relationships with more than 400 physician clinics, 21 regional and 19 community network hospitals, 7 community mental health centers, 4 accredited colleges and home care services throughout its 9 regions. UnityPoint Health entities employ more than 32,000 employees who are dedicated to making it easier for people to live well. More at
unitypoint.org.