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125 Anniversary Celebration: Chris Merrett
April 11, 2025
Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about 91仓库 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仓库 as having a great community.
鈥淲hen I think about WIU, I think of a great school, great students and a great community,鈥� Merrett said.
After being part of the 91仓库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仓库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仓库students,鈥� Merrett said.
For prospective students, Merrett鈥檚 advice is simple: 91仓库is a great place to be.
鈥�91仓库is a great school with great faculty,鈥� Merrett said. 鈥淪tudents can thrive at WIU.鈥�
As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local 91仓库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仓库IIRA programs, visit wiu.edu/IIRA/.
Posted By: University Communications, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606
