The Quad Cities Regional Business Journal is proud to share some of the profiles found in our second annual Regional Leaders, published in January. This special publication recognizes 150 business and community leaders who we consider to be among the most noteworthy and impactful across the bistate region.
Recently, the QCBJ held a reception for these leaders and now we will be highlighting their profiles in our newsletters a few at a time. You can still purchase a copy of the glossy, full-color print edition here.
The QCBJ team identified those we believe are leaving their mark on the Quad Cities through their careers, mentorship or philanthropy. We recognize, however, that it is not an inclusive list and urge readers to reach out to us for suggestions for 2026.
The profiles are excerpts from surveys the Regional Leaders completed and/or biographies compiled from information our reporters gathered from company websites, LinkedIn profiles and other accounts. Today’s collection come from the Education category:
Jennifer DeWitt
Editor
Quad Cities Regional Business Journal
KRISTI MINDRUP
VICE PRESIDENT, QUAD CITIES CAMPUS OPERATIONS, WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, MOLINE
Dr. Kristi Mindrup began her career in 1997 as the evening clerk and receptionist at Western Illinois University. After rising up the staff and administrative ranks, Dr. Mindrup brings 26 years experience in higher education with a focus on strategic planning and implementation, program and partnership development, campus operations. She was part of the team that conceptualized, designed and established the WIU Quad Cities Riverfront Campus in Moline.
Mindrup serves on the board of directors for Renew Moline, United Way Education Council, was past president of the Illinois Association for Institutional Research, and served nine years on the Council for Advancement of Standards in Higher Education, where she was recognized as a national expert on post-traditional college students. She is a graduate of Moline High School and resides in Rock Island.
FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN THE QC: As a sixth generation Quad Citizen, I enjoy the opportunities that my hometown offers while staying close to my family. There is something special about shared experiences across the generations. At the same time, I have watched the Quad Cities evolve into a cool and relevant scene, featuring arts, culture, entertainment and sports. I enjoy all 12 of the Midwest seasons, and the mix of metropolitan amenities and smaller town charm.
BIGGEST MENTOR/ROLE MODEL: My grandparents, Marjorie and the late David Vatt. Their value for education inspired me at a young age. Their encouragement, words of wisdom, and love will shape all that I do across my lifetime.
PROUDEST CAREER MOMENTS: Celebrating students as they cross the stage at graduation. Welcoming the first group of students to start classes at the new WIU Quad Cities Riverfront campus in 2012.
FAVORITE VACATION: Ziplining and enjoying the Caribbean blue water in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
ANDREA TALENTINO PRESIDENT, AUGUSTANA COLLEGE, ROCK ISLAND
Dr. Andrea Talentino became the ninth president of Augustana College on July 1, 2022. Previously, Talentino was the provost of Nazareth College in Rochester, New York. She also served as the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Norwich University in Vermont, Associate Dean at Drew University in New Jersey, held a faculty position at Tulane University and a postdoctoral position at Princeton University. She received her M.B.A. from Norwich University, concentration in Organizational Leadership; a Ph.D., Political Science, University of California, Los Angeles; M.A.. Political Science, University of California; and B.A. Political Science, magna cum laude, Yale University.
Born in Binghampton, New York, she now lives in Rock Island with her husband, Tom Tarnow. They have two children, Lucien and Julia.
FAVORITE PART ABOUT LIVING IN THE QC: Diversity and community. The Quad Cities is in many ways a microcosm of the kind of diversity that makes up the United States writ large. I have seen in my research the many ways in which the coming together of diverse backgrounds can engender conflict, especially when no thought is given to matters of justice and equity. I think the community of the Quad Cities does far better than the mean in capitalizing on its diversity.
PROUDEST CAREER MOMENT: Establishing the Peace & War Center at Norwich University. Not only because it was a chance to see hard work pay off, but I’m gratified by the way the center has created opportunities for students, faculty and staff there.
BEST CAREER ADVICE: Never take anything too personally.
PHILANTHROPIC PASSION: Environmental causes rise to the top for me.
SOMETHING SURPRISING: Donuts are a passion of mine.
DENNIS MARCHIORI
CHANCELLOR AND CEO, PALMER COLLEGE OF CHIROPRACTIC, DAVENPORT
Dr. Dennis Marchiori became chancellor of Palmer College of Chiropractic in December 2009.
He graduated with his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College in 1990, and went on to earn his MS degree in anatomy at Palmer in 1992. In 1995, he completed a three-year residency in radiology at Palmer College – leading to diplomate status with the American Chiropractic Board of Radiology. Dr. Marchiori received his doctorate in policy, planning and leadership from the University of Iowa in 2005.
He has had faculty appointments at Palmer College in the Research, and Diagnosis and Radiology departments. His administrative tenure at Palmer includes the roles of department chair, dean, vice president of academic affairs for the Davenport campus, and vice chancellor for academics for the college system. In addition to his teaching and administrative service, he has published numerous scientific articles and three editions of a comprehensive textbook in radiology, entitled “Clinical Imaging with Skeletal, Chest and Abdomen Differentials.”
He also serves as chair of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges.
He grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to the Quad Cities in 1986.
Dr. Marchiori and his wife, Cheryl, live in Bettendorf and have three daughters and one son.
LIANG CHEE WEE
INTERIM CHANCELLOR, EASTERN IOWA COMMUNITY COLLEGES, DAVENPORT
Liang Chee Wee has been interim chancellor of Eastern Iowa Community Colleges since October 2023.
Previously, he served as president of Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC). The college serves eight counties and operates campuses in Calamar and Peosta, and service centers across the district. Wee retired there in 2022 after serving in the top leadership role for 11 years.
He serves on the boards for MercyOne, Freedom Bank, and is resident president for the Iowa Community College Leadership Institute, hosted by the Community College Leadership Consortium, Iowa State University. He has authored and published 23 peer reviewed papers; frequently serves as a keynote speaker, presenter, panelist, and facilitator; and has been recognized with many professional awards and honors for his leadership.
Wee arrived in the U.S. on July 4, 1983, after serving in the Singapore Armed Forces. He grew up in a rural village in Singapore. “My mom never went to school because her family was poor. My father completed the equivalent of high school and had to work to support the family. But both ensured that their two sons would receive more education than they did,” he said.
He attended the University of Arizona, earning a Ph.D. and an MBA in business administration from the Karl Eller Graduate School of Management, and a BS and BA in management information systems.
BEST CAREER ADVICE: A wise mentor posed this question years ago, “What do you have to give up to answer your calling?”
FAVORITE PART OF LIVING IN THE QC: The ease of getting around and access to the riverfront trail, family-friendly Modern Woodmen Park, museums, Junior Achievement BIZTown, Costco, ALDI, higher education.
FAVORITE PLACE IN THE QC: Riverfront trail.
BIGGEST ISSUE FACING THE QC: We need to connect more with and listen to young learners in person.
