Tragedy rocked Winthrop’s campus on study day this past semester when news broke that the president of the university, Daniel F. Mahony, had taken a new position with the Southern Illinois University system and would be leaving Winthrop in March 2020.
Students were in shock. Mahony, who has been affectionately referred to as Dan the Man by students, was a cherished part of the Winthrop experience. Seeing him around campus and being able to say hello to him at any time has made students feel connected to the administration of the university.
“He’s the only president I’ve heard of who’s so involved in campus and who really gets to know the school. It’s something that really drew me to go here,” Danielle Owen, sophomore dance major, said.
Mahony had an open invitation to every student, saying that he would take them to lunch and discuss whatever they wanted. Many students took him up on this offer,
According to the email sent to students on Dec. 3, Mahony will be leaving Winthrop on March 1, meaning he will not be attending Spring 2020 graduation.
Senior photography major Sam Ross said, “I am genuinely sad that he won’t be at graduation. I have always looked forward to his speeches and him wishing us well with our futures. I’m kind of jealous of the students who have graduated that got to shake his hand and take their diploma photos with him.”
Since the announcement of his departure, rumors have spread about the truth behind why he might be leaving the school. Many students have said that they think he left because he didn’t like working at Winthrop, but this doesn’t make sense.
Mahony fostered a deep, endearing relationship with the students at Winthrop and the students reciprocated his efforts and the relationship flourished. Why would he leave after working so hard and successfully connecting with students?
Not to mention the fact that he had successfully been able to lead Winthrop into fulfilling long term goals ahead of time. The Winthrop Plan which he put into effect during his first years as president, has achieved many of its goals, including increasing the number of applicants as well as faculty diversity.
The impact made by Mahony will be lasting, especially in the minds of current students.
“Him being on campus was always fun and I’m going to miss seeing him on Scholars and knowing that he’s so accessible,” Lilly Spruill, sophomore mass communication major, said.
Mahony’s absence will be felt throughout campus. At this point, the Board of Trustees will not name a new president and instead, will seek out an interim president. Students are expecting this interim president to not hold the same kind of relationship with them as Mahony.
The connection held between Mahony and the students at Winthrop was unique and offered something different from the school. This relationship was a reflection of what students can expect from many of their instructors. As Mahony steps down and we go through this transition, we can look to these instructors for the same kind of motivation to keep going.
Mahony’s impact will be long felt at Winthrop and students that have only experienced his leadership for a short time will remember what he has done for the student body here. He may be leaving for Illinois, but for many of us, Dan will still be our man.
Photo provided by Victoria Howard
