DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - A search for a new head of Millikin University is underway after President Dr. Jim Reynolds stepped down ahead of his previously planned retirement date. 

Dr. Reynolds announced last year he planned to retire on June 30, 2025. 

However, Board Chairman Ron Branch announced Monday Dr. Reynolds had stepped down and been put on paid administrative leave. 

University spokesman Matthew Flaten told WAND News, "We cannot comment on personnel matters; however, it has been public knowledge that President Reynolds announced his retirement in July of 2024. Millikin University officially began the search for the next President in September, and we are hopeful that we will be able to announce Millikin's 17th President in the coming weeks." 

The university did not expand on the reason for Reynolds' early departure. 

Reynolds took over as president of the university in July 2020. 

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