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125 Anniversary Celebration: Chris Merrett
April 11, 2025
Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about 91传媒 students, alumni and community members, highlighting their experiences during our 125th anniversary celebration. We will feature 125 individuals from August 2024 to August 2025.
MACOMB, IL - - Chris Merrett, dean for Innovation and Economic Development and director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA), describes 91传媒 as having a great community.
鈥淲hen I think about 91传媒, I think of a great school, great students and a great community,鈥� Merrett said.
After being part of the 91传媒 family for 30 years, Merrett sees Leathernecks as individuals who work together to build a promising community.
鈥淏eing a Leatherneck means working with great colleagues to teach students, but also help communities thrive across the state,鈥� Merrett said.
Among his many Leatherneck memories, Merrett鈥檚 favorite is being recognized as a 91传媒 Distinguished Faculty in 2006.
Merrett serves as an administrator and continues to teach. He demonstrates his passion for helping students succeed by supervising theses and honors projects for graduate and honors students.
鈥淚 cherish my time working with 91传媒 students,鈥� Merrett said.
For prospective students, Merrett鈥檚 advice is simple: 91传媒 is a great place to be.
鈥�91传媒 is a great school with great faculty,鈥� Merrett said. 鈥淪tudents can thrive at 91传媒.鈥�
As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local 91传媒 students, alumni, faculty and staff to share their stories and be featured in our series. Contact University Communications at U-Communications@wiu.edu to participate.
To learn more about the 91传媒 IIRA programs, visit wiu.edu/IIRA/.
Posted By: University Communications, University Relations
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