Research Park Recognizes Edward McMillan’s Leadership and Contributions

Edward McMillan’s distinguished 20-year tenure as a member of the Research Park Board of Managers concluded in January, following his retirement from the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

McMillan’s tenure on the board spans almost the entire lifespan of the Research Park. His leadership guided the transformation of the former South Farms into a thriving hub of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth has created what we now know as the Research Park.

In recognition of his retirement, the Research Park named the largest conference room at EnterpriseWorks as the McMillan Meeting Room in his honor. A plaque detailing his achievements was installed outside the EnterpriseWorks incubator, in the heart of Research Park.

A modest celebration was held on June 7, the first Research Park Board of Managers meeting since February 2020 to occur with a quorum in person.

McMillan was born and raised on a farm in McDonough County, Illinois. He is a proud 1969 University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Agriculture graduate.

A nationally recognized leader in agribusiness, he spent 28 years at Purina, including serving as CEO. 

McMillan’s extensive record of commitment to civic and philanthropic organizations includes serving as Chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, Chairman of the University of Illinois Research Park Board of Managers, Chairman of IllinoisVENTURES, LLC, and Chairman of the University of Illinois Alumni Association.

Research Park congratulates Edward McMillan on his retirement and expresses its hope for his continued health, happiness, and prosperity.

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