DECATUR, Ill. – While most Millikin University students were still in bed or enjoying an early breakfast on a Saturday morning, Big Blue junior Kyler Griggs was about to speak to Millikin’s Board of Trustees.
Kyler currently serves as Millikin’s Student Representative to the Board, and at each of the Board’s four meetings during the academic year, she shares a report detailing issues important to Millikin’s student body and takes questions from the university’s leaders.
“I was very nervous at first, but I also think once I got there and got into the flow of things, I was pretty comfortable,” Kyler said. “I’m excited to be able to represent the students on campus. It was a good experience, and I'm excited for the upcoming meetings this year.”
Kyler is an English Writing major with a Philosophy Pre-Law minor and grew up in Decatur. She transferred to Millikin after attending the University of Illinois Chicago and has a family connection to the Big Blue.
“Originally, my mom wanted me to come to Millikin because it's very close to home, and my sister, Sydney Griggs, graduated from Millikin in 2023. I wasn't sure if I would go to Millikin and have family in Chicago, so I decided I would go there,” Kyler said. “But then I realized I liked Millikin's small campus vibe a lot more. When I transferred here, I was very surprised with how much I liked it and how easy it was to get adapted to campus.”
As an aspiring author, Kyler tries to find a balance between coursework and taking time to write.
“I've always loved books and reading, and I try to put aside an hour or so just to write each day. If I don't have any ideas or my inspiration isn’t flowing, I try to write bullet points of what I think I could write in the future,” Kyler said. “Something I've struggled with perfectionism and trying to get it perfect the first time. I know a lot of my Writing professors always tell me you just have to write, and you have to go for it. You must put yourself out there because getting everything perfect is not realistic for first drafts.”
After transferring to Millikin, Kyler pushed herself to get involved in student leadership, which has been an ambition of hers for a while.
“I always wanted to do something like this, but I wasn't sure when I first transferred here what was available for me. I first transferred between semesters, so I was a little hesitant about putting myself out there,” she said. “But I had a lot of people and professors who recommended me for some things. So, I started trying to apply for these positions and getting involved that way. I wasn't sure what would appeal to me because I think, in general, when it comes to extracurriculars, I like things that have more leadership possibilities.”
As a member of the new Council of Student Advisors (CoSA), which serves as Millikin’s student governance organization on campus, Kyler is excited about improving communication between campus leadership and the student body.
CoSA has 22 student members who applied through the Office of Student Affairs, and the group has begun holding its first meetings. Several sub-committees have been formed to focus on specific issues important to students, including Student Health, Transportation SafeRides, ADA Accommodations, Safety, Student-Faculty Interactions, Housing Assistance, and Dining Options. Kyler will serve as the CoSA Student Chair for the Dining Options Committee.
At the latest Board of Trustees meeting on Nov. 16, Kyler addressed the Board, updating them on what CoSA is working on, her efforts to get feedback from students, and shared several student concerns, including student complaints about The Woods and suggesting that classes be canceled for Election Day to allow students an opportunity to vote more easily.
Students with issues or concerns they want to communicate to Kyler can join her for her student listening hours in the University Commons on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12-12:45 p.m., either in the cafeteria or in the seating area on the first floor.
“One of my big plans for this year is getting more student feedback throughout this semester and next semester to see where we're all at,” Kyler said. “With CoSA and the Student Representative position, it’s a growing process as we continue working on things and better represent Millikin’s students.”
