Outstanding Faculty Service Award for Professor James B. Millikan

The Outstanding Faculty Service Award is given to a full-time faculty member whose service has significantly advanced the mission of Stonehill College. Education for citizenship is integral to a liberal arts education, and just as we expect our students to lead lives of purpose and to make a difference in the world, we expect the same from our faculty. Therefore, public service and service to the academic community are highly valued by the faculty at Stonehill College. This award recognizes a cumulative record of noteworthy accomplishment in service on the part of a faculty member. The recipient stands as a symbol of the entire faculty’s commitment to sustaining our community. In 2007 Stonehill College is proud to bestow the inaugural Outstanding Faculty Service Award on Professor James Millikan.

Professor Millikan’s commitment to Stonehill’s mission is abundantly clear to all who work with him. Here is what colleagues have to say about his work within his department and across the College.

Jim served as chair of Political Science for 12 years and has also has directed the Public Administration program since its inception. As coordinator of the Washington Program, affiliated with the Washington Center, he was an early adopter of experiential learning opportunities for students. He is the model department member, always genial and cooperative in departmental matters. His connection with local organizations has led to numerous guest class appearances and College-wide lectures by local government figures and scholars of politics and policy. He exemplifies distinguished faculty service.

Jim’s vital roles on the Long-range Planning Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee cannot be overstated. He brings both a deep understanding of College history and a clear excitement and enthusiasm for Stonehill’s trajectory. He always promotes the faculty and academic values, and he insists on the importance of thorough processes and swift, clear communication. His gift for diplomacy—which often seems to be simply part of his Southern roots and gentlemanly demeanor—is born of a deep intelligence and a passionate commitment to maintaining high standards of civility within our community.

Jim Millikan was the perfect choice to lead the Senate from its formative years into its maturity. Under Jim the Senate has become a fixed and respected part of the college’s governance. Jim’s leadership style allows the Senate and the Administration to work with one another as colleagues on issues that might at times create tensions. With Jim at the helm, those differences of opinion can be openly and respectfully aired. He handles faculty meetings with a light touch and good-humored approach, and this helps immensely in moving through difficult agendas and keeping the focus.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jim on the Strategic Planning Committee, on the integrated marketing team, and in meetings where Jim has asked for marketing updates to the Faculty Senate. In this work, Jim champions the tremendous contributions that our faculty bring to our students and the Stonehill community. He never ceases to remind me that marketing will only work if it brings a sharper focus on what is true about Stonehill. And among this set of “true things” about Stonehill, or “touchstones” as I like to think about them, are the dedication of challenging and supportive faculty and the individual attention they give to students. Jim has been an important part of the team that has helped us bring this to light as a core part of our integrated marketing message. In this, Jim Millikan leads—not only in his committee work—but also by example.

And so with deep pride we today recognize Professor James B. Millikan for his tireless service, consistent example, and exemplary contributions to Stonehill College

Given this 10th day of May,

Two thousand and seven.

Katie Conboy.

Vice President for Academic Affairs