NORMAL - Dixie Mills' colleagues say the outgoing Illinois State University College of Business dean has built strong relationships on campus as well as off-campus.

So, they hope Wednesday's retirement reception will draw not only colleagues and former students, but also those who have known Mills through civic and business ties.

"She's been very well received - she's well-known in the business community here as well as in Chicago," said Jim Moon, the business college's associate dean. "Besides that, she's been a real team player in the university, and has stayed connected with the other ISU colleges."

Mills has worked 27 years at ISU, with more than a decade as dean.

Her first faculty position after doctoral studies was at the Normal campus, teaching in the finance department. Later she was tapped to head the college's growing MBA program, eventually reaching the college's top administrative role.

"She worked her way up, and really had a career dedicated to Illinois State," said Moon.

Starting July 1, Charles McGuire, ISU assistant provost, becomes interim dean of the college. He also has spent most of his career in the ISU College of Business. Mills will stay on through the end of July.

Besides a short summer trip, she's leaving her future plans open, said Moon.

Under Mills' leadership, the ISU College of Business has gained national recognition for its programs.

In particular, during a renewal of national accreditation under her watch, the college earned praiseworthy marks, as did its master's degree in business administration and certified public accounting programs, said McGuire.

Mills also played an integral role in the $38 million project that created the technologically advanced College of Business building, opened in 2005, he said.

"She made the proposal to State Farm (Insurance Cos.) that brought a $9 million grant for the project," said Moon. That corporate pledge really jumpstarted the entire capital funding, he said, with the state and other companies later adding funds.

"Her legacy is that she's leaving everything in good shape for the next dean," said Moon.

Along with hosting Wednesday's ceremony, Mills' colleagues have established a scholarship in her name.

McGuire also spent most of his career in the College of Business. The university conducted a nationwide search in 2006-07 for a permanent dean, but President Al Bowman halted that search after conferring with the search team after four finalists visited the campus this spring.

The search for a permanent dean should resume in January 2008, after a new provost is named, according to the ISU administration.

The College of Business is the third largest of ISU's six academic colleges. Last year more than 850 students graduated from its programs, which include 10 undergraduate options and three at the graduate level.

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GO!

Who: Dixie Mills, retiring Illinois State University College of Business dean

What: Community and campus reception to honor Mills

When: 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Lower-level atrium, College of Business Building, ISU, University Avenue, Normal.

For more information: Call (309) 438-2251

Scholarship: A fund has been established in the dean's honor. Donations may be mailed to: Dixie Mills Outstanding Scholars Fund 5505886, c/o Illinois State University Foundation, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790-8000.