Make It Millikin: JJ Pierce

Millikin sophomore finds sense of family and community on campus

Millikin sophomore finds sense of family and community on campus

All prospective college students find different schools appealing for different reasons. Some enjoy the vast amount of people they'll meet while others appreciate the anonymity of the lecture hall. This was not the case for current Millikin University sophomore JJ Pierce from Davenport, Iowa, who found solace in the small class sizes and close relationships to the faculty. 

"I liked how the class sizes were super small and personal, so I can get to know the faculty more on a personal level rather than just on a faculty and student basis," Pierce said.

With Millikin boasting rankings such as the No. 10 Regional College in the Midwest from U.S. News & World Report and one of the top theatre programs in the U.S. according to College Magazine, it's no surprise that Pierce, a theatre and performance studies/arts administration double major with a minor in dance, is growing as an artist, especially with the new Center for Theatre & Dance facility.

Pierce explained, "As a performer and as a theatre student my faculty have really pushed me to change as an artist and it's been a really good change."

While the teaching methods of the Millikin faculty members might not have been his favorite at first, Pierce says he enjoys the challenge that Millikin gives him in his field. 

"The faculty here at Millikin are always willing to push you. At first, I didn't love that but after a while I got really used to it, and it has been one of the best things that's ever happened to me here," he said.