By: Darcee Kubisak
Twenty-six years ago, President-Elect Bill Greer found himself in shoes similar to those of Milligan seniors today: approaching graduation and aspiring to continued education in graduate studies. Now Greer is focused on a new step in his commitment to Milligan as he transitions into his role as Milligan’s 15th president.
Last Friday the board of trustees announced Greer’s appointment as president. He will take office on July 15.
Selected from a nationwide pool of candidates, Greer’s dedication to and affiliation with Milligan made him the most outstanding individual for the position. As the Kegley Professor of Business and Economics at Milligan, Greer has held various institutional roles, including professor and vice president for institutional advancement. In addition, Greer has served as an active member on multiple committees and boards at both local and national levels.
His local involvement includes serving on the board of directors of Mountain States Health Alliance’s compliance and audit committee. Additionally, Greer is a member of the East Tennessee College of Pharmacy admissions committee, a member of the Interfaith Hospitality Network’s board of directors, and a member of the Johnson City Rotary Club. He is also an elder in his home congregation at Grandview Christian Church.
Reflecting on the presidential search and appointment, the president-elect said he has mixed emotions.
“(I feel) relief that the process is over, excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead, gratitude to all the great people who make Milligan such a wonderful place and who have made my 16 years here so terrific,” Greer said. “At the same time, it is all a bit overwhelming because Don Jeanes has done a marvelous job of leading Milligan to new levels of excellence.”
While Greer understands that succeeding Don Jeanes’ presidency will be no easy task, he feels that his previous campus experiences have equipped him with the tools necessary to do so.
“I was a member of the faculty for twelve years, and I grew to have an enormous respect for the work the faculty do and for the impact they have on the lives of our students,” Greer said. “As VP of institutional advancement I was able to establish relationships with our donors and alumni that will prove invaluable as president. I think the combination of those experiences as well as the business background I brought to Milligan will assist greatly in my work as president.”
Upon assuming his presidential duties, Greer hopes to both maintain and enhance campus life.
“I want to spend a good bit of time early on listening to various groups on campus to get a better sense of what issues are out there,” said Greer. “I am eager to hear the thoughts and views of others as decisions need to be made.”
In addition to on-campus involvement, Greer recognizes the need to maintain sound relationships with those outside the immediate community—those who make large contributions to and have a vested interest in the well-being of the college. Greer plans to do this by conducting a “listening tour” to interact with alumni and friends of the institution and hear their dreams for Milligan.
After talking about his hopes for the future, Greer noted that the current flourishing state of the institution can in large part be attributed to the leadership of Don Jeanes.
“We have made much progress under the leadership of Dr. Jeanes and he has built a firm foundation for us to continue building upon,” Greer said.
Not only does the president-elect see Milligan’s internal improvement as necessary for the overall well being of the institution, but he also emphasizes the importance of continual community outreach.
“I want Milligan to continue being viewed as a ‘good citizen,’” said Greer. “This only happens through the efforts of us, the members of the Milligan community. I want the business community, the school systems, churches and others to look to Milligan as a valuable resource that is here, in part, to serve them.”
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