President's Perspective

Dear Millikin Alumni and Friends:

As we continue highlighting the Strategic Initiatives in our new Strategic Plan, this issue of the Millikin Magazine focuses on our desire to invigorate our partnerships within the greater Decatur community and beyond. As a Decatur native, this has personal meaning to me.

I remember fondly my connections with Millikin growing up here. I had student-teachers in my classrooms who were Millikin students seeking to become educators because they loved the profession. I spent a lot of time in Griswold playing basketball and swimming in the pool. My Mom and I came to Vespers and other shows at Kirkland.  

But what I didn’t know about — and what I want us to commit to doing more — is all the ways in which we are a good neighbor to local and regional organizations. We have amazing faculty and staff who offer their expertise to solve problems in a myriad of organizational settings. We have wonderful students who add value as interns and entry-level professionals to their place of employment. We have a campus community that is open to all who seek to be educated. 

Our Millikin is filled with caring professionals who know the power of service and giving back. Being in community with local and regional partners is a linchpin to our success as a University and speaks to our mission and core values. Bottom line — invigorating our partnerships with our local and regional community is a vital element for the future of Millikin. When we help others be better at what they do, we get better as an institution.

My hope as you read this edition of Millikin Magazine is that you will see our commitment to becoming a more connected part of Decatur and the region. Each day, we are blessed with the possibilities that come from being in closer relationship with those around us. For that, as a Decaturite, I am very proud to be a part of Millikin.

As always, I’m grateful for the support you have provided to Millikin during the past year and look forward to building on that support in the future.

With respect for you all,

Jim Reynolds, President