Alecia DeCoudreaux

Alecia A. DeCoudreaux was named the 13th president in Mills College's 159-year history. She assumed leadership of the College on July 1, 2011. Born in Chicago, Illinois, DeCoudreaux received a bachelor of arts degree in English and political science from Wellesley College in 1976 and a doctor of laws degree from the Indiana University School of Law at Bloomington in 1978. DeCoudreaux brings to the Office of Mills College President an extensive and distinguished professional background. DeCoudreaux's academic experience includes successful service as both a trustee and board chair at Wellesley, director of the Wellesley College Alumnae Association, director of the Indiana University Foundation, and member of the Indiana University School of Law Board of Visitors. DeCoudreaux served as vice president and deputy general counsel at Eli Lilly and Company. She had been vice president and general counsel of Lilly USA since December 2005. Previously, DeCoudreaux was employed by Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro, in San Francisco, before joining Lilly in 1980 as an attorney. In 1987, she became general counsel for Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc., a former Lilly subsidiary located in Santa Clara, California. DeCoudreaux became director of community relations for Eli Lilly and Company in 1990, director for corporate affairs (state government and community relations) in 1991, and director of government relations (Washington, DC) in 1993. She was named executive director of Lilly Research Laboratories, medical administration in 1994. In 1995, she became executive director of Lilly Research Laboratories, research planning and scientific administration, and was named vice president, law, Lilly Research Laboratories in June 1997. In November 1999, she became secretary and deputy general counsel of Eli Lilly and Company. After less than four years at the helm of Mills College, President Alecia DeCoudreaux decided not to renew her contract after it ends in June 2016,