University News
125 Series Anniversary: Chris Merrett
April 11, 2025
Editor's Note: This is a series of stories about Íæż½ã½ã 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 Íæż½ã½ã as having a great community.
"When I think about WIU, I think of a great school, great students and a great community," Merrett said.
After being part of the WIU family for 30 years, Merrett sees Leathernecks as individuals who work together to build a promising community.
"Being a Leatherneck means working with great colleagues to teach students, but also help communities thrive across the state," Merrett said.
Among his many Leatherneck memories, Merrett's favorite is being recognized as a WIU 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.
"I cherish my time working with WIU students," Merrett said.
For prospective students, Merrett's advice is simple: WIU is a great place to be.
"WIU is a great school with great faculty," Merrett said. "Students can thrive at WIU."
As we honor 125 years of educational excellence, we invite local WIU 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 WIU IIRA programs, visit wiu.edu/IIRA/.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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