Millikin University

Millikin University is a private university located in Decatur, Illinois. Founded in 1901 by businessman James Millikin, the institution is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Millikin offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs across fields including business, fine arts, sciences, education, and nursing. The university is known for its emphasis on experiential learning, often described as performance-based learning, which integrates classroom study with practical application. With a residential campus in central Illinois, Millikin attracts students seeking a smaller university environment with close faculty interaction and opportunities for internships, community engagement, and participation in NCAA Division III athletics.

Millikin University was founded in 1901 in Decatur, Illinois, through the efforts of local businessman James Millikin and leaders of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The institution was initially chartered as The James Millikin University in partnership with Lincoln University in Lincoln, Illinois. The Decatur campus opened to students in 1903, and Albert Reynolds Taylor served as the first president. For several decades, the university operated as a two-campus institution before separating from Lincoln College in 1952. In 1953, the Decatur campus was officially chartered by the state as Millikin University. Throughout the twentieth century, Millikin University expanded its academic programs, campus facilities, and community partnerships. It developed strengths in professional programs, the arts, and applied learning. In the twenty-first century, Millikin University has continued to evolve while marking milestones such as its 125th anniversary, reflecting its longstanding role in higher education in central Illinois.