The Wilkes University Board of Trustees announced today that James Cousins, Ph.D. has been named the University’s eighth president, effective August 1, 2026. A lifelong educator and historian, Cousins has served as president of Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, Kentucky since 2024.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Cousins will take the helm at this pivotal time at Wilkes University. A lifelong educator with extensive administrative experience, Dr. Cousins understands the complexities of higher education and possesses the leadership skills necessary to guide Wilkes into the future. We are eager to welcome him to our family of Colonels, and the entire Wilkes community looks forward to celebrating this momentous occasion together,” said Bill Miller ’81, chair of the University’s board of trustees and presidential search committee.
This unanimous appointment concludes an extensive national search that was led by a diverse group of Wilkes University representatives and drew a deep pool of highly-qualified candidates.
“Leading an institution like Wilkes is an extraordinary opportunity, and I am extremely honored to be selected as the University’s next president. I look forward to serving alongside the dedicated members of the campus community to build upon the University’s strong foundation and strategically position us for future success,” said Cousins.
Under Cousins’s leadership at Kentucky Wesleyan, the college launched its first graduate program, established strategic community partnerships and strengthened its financial position. Prior to this role, he enhanced the college’s academic profile and directed numerous strategic initiatives as the provost and vice president of academic affairs. A passionate advocate for the student experience, Cousins also served as an associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University, where he led efforts to improve student success, recruitment, academic advising, curricular reform and accreditation.
Cousins will be officially introduced to the Wilkes community at a press conference at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, in the E.S. Farley Library on the Wilkes University campus. A reception will follow the official announcement, providing guests with a chance to meet the president-elect and his family. Livestream coverage of the event will also be available at wilkes.edu/incomingpresident