Millikin University, located in Decatur, Illinois, is a private liberal arts institution renowned for its innovative Performance Learning approach. This model emphasizes hands-on experiences, making jobs at Millikin University particularly appealing for educators and professionals who thrive on integrating theory with practice. Whether you're eyeing faculty positions, administrative roles, or support staff opportunities, Millikin offers a dynamic environment in the heart of the United States Midwest. The university employs around 200 full-time faculty and numerous staff across its schools of arts, business, education, and sciences, serving approximately 1,800 undergraduates.
Career opportunities at Millikin span teaching, research, and operations, with a focus on fostering student success through real-world application. Positions often require a commitment to the university's values of character, scholarship, and performance, set in a welcoming campus community just two hours from Chicago.
Founded in 1901 by James Millikin, a prominent industrialist, Millikin University has evolved from a small college into a vibrant hub for experiential learning. Named after its benefactor, the institution opened with a focus on liberal arts and has since grown to emphasize performing arts, where it gained national acclaim. Today, jobs at Millikin University align with its mission to develop graduates who perform at the highest level in intellect, character, and performance.
The university's history influences hiring by prioritizing innovative educators. For instance, during its centennial in 2001, Millikin launched Performance Learning, now central to faculty evaluations. This legacy attracts candidates passionate about transformative education, with roles often involving community partnerships in Decatur.
Millikin University posts diverse openings, from tenure-track professors to adjunct lecturers and administrative staff. Faculty jobs dominate in areas like music, theatre, nursing, and accountancy. Staff positions include admissions counselors, career services specialists, and facilities managers. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.
Recent postings highlight needs in performing arts, reflecting Millikin's strengths.
To understand jobs at Millikin University, key terms include:
Jobs at Millikin University demand specific credentials tailored to roles.
Required Academic Qualifications: Faculty positions typically require a PhD or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for nursing faculty or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) for theatre arts.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Emphasis on applied research aligning with Performance Learning, e.g., community-based projects in business or collaborative performances in arts. Faculty in sciences might focus on undergraduate mentoring in labs.
Preferred Experience: 3-5 years teaching undergraduates, publications in peer-reviewed journals, securing grants, or professional portfolios. For arts roles, prior performances or exhibitions are key.
Skills and Competencies:
Candidates with experience in employer branding in higher education stand out.
Applications go through Millikin's online portal at their HR site. Submit a cover letter, CV, teaching philosophy, and three references. Review takes 4-6 weeks, with interviews on-campus or virtual.
Actionable Tips:
For lecturer roles, see how to become a university lecturer.
Millikin prioritizes inclusive hiring through its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) Council, which reviews policies and supports affinity groups. Examples include the Black Student Union partnerships for faculty recruitment and annual Diversity Leadership Awards. The university's strategic plan commits to underrepresented faculty hires, with recent initiatives funding scholarships for diverse students and training in inclusive pedagogy. In 2023, Millikin hosted Midwest inclusivity summits, enhancing campus culture for employees.
Employees enjoy tuition remission for dependents, generous PTO, and wellness programs like fitness center access. Decatur, Illinois, offers low cost of living (20% below national average), family events, and Lake Decatur recreation. Campus life includes faculty/staff mixers, professional development via Kirkland Fine Arts Center performances, and proximity to family-oriented communities. Flexible schedules support research, with sabbaticals for tenured faculty. The supportive environment fosters long-term careers, as seen in low turnover rates.
Read about thriving in research roles or research assistant jobs.
Jobs at Millikin University blend academic rigor with practical impact in Decatur, Illinois. From faculty inspiring through Performance Learning to staff enabling student success, opportunities abound. Explore broader options on higher ed jobs, career advice at higher ed career advice, specific university jobs, or post your opening via post a job. Start your journey today.
