Grace Taylor is Milligan University’s new director of campus activities, where she focuses on planning events and building community. Her faith has helped her embrace unexpected opportunities and let go of perfectionism while creating welcoming spaces for students.
David Blackburn is Milligan’s new athletic director, bringing nearly 40 years of college sports experience. He wants to help student-athletes, grow the program, and focus on more than just winning.
Milligan’s second Buff Concert Festival on April 23 featured four bands—including student groups and visiting artists—along with an SGA swearing-in ceremony between performances.
Milligan University hosted its 13th annual Rise Above Conference, where over 60 students presented research focused on “Attention and Distraction.” Projects ranged from counseling studies to a solar-powered HVAC system, and the event highlighted the value of student research and presenting before graduation.
Milligan athletics has had a strong spring season, with standout performances in sports like baseball, flag football, swimming, track and field, and a historic national championship sweep in disc golf. Multiple teams and athletes earned top finishes, set school records, and qualified for upcoming conference tournaments.
The Screen to Stage Cabaret on March 27 featured 23 performances from films, with mostly solo acts and a lively audience despite minor technical issues. Seniors Ariana Floyd and Abby Tramel gave a meaningful final performance together, highlighting the show’s personal and fun atmosphere.
After a carbon monoxide leak paused competitions, Milligan athletes gradually returned using a monitored three-stage protocol, though some still experienced lingering symptoms. While most athletes resumed play, others like Emma Cutshall continue to struggle with serious health effects and have not yet been able to return.
Milligan athletes competed in several national championships, highlighted by Ellen-Mary Kearney winning the 3000m title and strong finishes in track and cycling. The women’s basketball team also made the NAIA Tournament but lost a close game, while cycling placed third overall.
The Milligan women’s basketball team won the AAC tournament championship 64–62 over Reinhardt to secure back-to-back titles, led by Callie Reeder’s 16 points and MVP Semaj Clark.
Milligan’s men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams both won the AAC Championships, with the men earning their fifth straight title and the women winning their second in three years. Several athletes set meet records and won major awards, and the season will finish at the NAIA Indoor Championships in March.