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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (Nov. 4, 2011)— Milligan College will install an endowed faculty chair, naming Dr. Carolyn Carter as the Don and Clarinda Jeanes Chair of Servant Leadership on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m. in Milligan’s Mary B. Martin Auditorium of Seeger Memorial Chapel. The service is free and open to the public.
Carter has been a professor at Milligan since 1984, during which time she has taught business and computer information systems courses. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business education from East Tennessee State University, a master’s degree in computer science education from the University of Evansville and a Ph.D. in instructional systems development from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
She has been active in professional meetings, presenting papers at conferences, and has more than 25 years in professional consulting. Carter also has served on more than 20 committees at the college over the years and in numerous unofficial capacities, leading and serving other faculty, staff, students and alumni. She received the Sam Jack Hyder “QED Award” for outstanding service to Milligan in 2003. She is married to Milton Carter, who serves as Milligan’s director of adult degree completion programs.
The endowed chair was established through the generosity of Don and Clarinda Jeanes, who completed a 14-year tenure as Milligan’s president and first lady in 2011 and now continue their commitment and service to the college. Don now serves as Milligan’s chancellor, and Clarinda continues as founding president of Associated Ladies for Milligan.
“On the eve of their retirement, Don and Clarinda Jeanes approached me about establishing an endowed chair to honor and help carry out the college’s mission,” said Milligan President Bill Greer. “They wanted this chair to be held by a professor who consistently demonstrates the spirit of servant leadership. Dr. Carter is always willing to serve, often behind the scenes, and always with a positive, Christian spirit of collegiality.”
In addition to the chair installation, the Nov. 8 service marks the beginning of Milligan’s Leadership Series, featuring an address titled “Leadership by Choice” by Dr. Nancy Dishner, director of the scholarship and leadership training for the Niswonger Foundation.
“The Milligan Leadership Series is an opportunity to encourage, challenge and inspire our students with messages from leaders who are making a difference in our community,” said Beth Anderson, director of Milligan’s Institute for Servant Leadership. “The Niswonger Foundation has had an incredible impact on this area, and we are pleased that Dr. Dishner is joining us as our first guest in the 2011-2012 Leadership Series.”
Established in 2001, the Niswonger Foundation is the brainchild of businessman and philanthropist, Scott M. Niswonger. The foundation’s goal is to help prepare students in East Tennessee’s rural school systems for the increasingly rigorous education necessary to compete for 21st century jobs.
Dishner has served with the foundation since January 2007, after retiring as vice provost for enrollment services and director of Roan Scholars Leadership Program at ETSU. She holds a doctorate in administration, a master’s degree in supervision and administration, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, all from ETSU.
As a consultant for more than 30 colleges and universities across the United States, Dishner has delivered more than 50 formal presentations at state, national and international conferences. Her comments and programs regarding student services and student success have been featured in five national publications.
For more information about the Milligan Leadership Series, contact Beth Anderson at 423.461.8316.