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Johnson City Press Editorial
Associates say Donald R. Jeanes was a caring educator, a passionate college leader and a tireless spiritual counselor. Friends also remember the former president of Milligan College as a humble man who had a profound impact on their lives and on the community he loved so much.
Jeanes, who died Monday at age 66, served as the 14th president of Milligan College. As Press assistant news editor Rex Barber reported in Tuesday’s paper, Milligan College saw a significant increase in enrollment and prospered greatly during the 13 years he presided over the institution. Several new buildings were constructed during his tenure, including the Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts. Jeanes also helped establish a health endowment for the college.
“Most people regarded Don as a pretty serious, all-business kind of guy,” said Bill Greer, who succeeded Jeanes as president in 2011. “But he had a streak in him of mischief and a sense of humor that not everybody got to see.”
In addition to his skills as a college president, friends and colleagues remember Jeanes as a mentor who led by example. Mark Fox, vice president for student development at Milligan, told the Press he was always impressed with the humble way Jeanes conducted himself in both business and personal matters.
“He and his wife Clarinda set a great example for my wife and I and really a great example for the kids here as well,” Fox said.
Jeanes will indeed be missed. Our condolences go out to his family and to the students and the staff of Milligan College who knew him so well.
SERVICE INFORMATION:
Visitation will be 1:00–3:00 pm and 6:00–8:00 pm on Thursday, August 30 at First Christian Church, Johnson City.
A celebration of life service is scheduled for Friday, August 31 in Seeger Memorial Chapel at 1:00 p.m.
Watch the service live on Livestream.
READ MORE:
Please share your memories of Dr. Don Jeanes or offer condolences to the Jeanes family.
Milligan College Press Release
Johnson City Press Obituary
Read a letter from President Greer addressing the loss of Dr. Don Jeanes.
Watch video footage by WJHL from the prayer service on Aug. 17
Johnson City Press article
Elizabethton Star article
VIDEOS:
Thank You, Don and Clarinda Jeanes
“Memories Sweet” – Highlights of the life and career of Don Jeanes