Howard McMillan, former executive-in-residence and dean of the Else School and former interim president of Millsaps College, passed away on November 30, 2022.
“Howard McMillan personified the idea of what a good life should be, giving the best of himself to his family, to his work and to the broader community,” said Dr. Rob Pearigen, president of the college. “He was also a true friend to Millsaps, sharing his experience, expertise and leadership skills to make the college a better and stronger institution.”
While McMillan did not attend Millsaps, his life was deeply intertwined with the college. His father attended Millsaps and his wife, Mary Eliza, is a direct descendant of Reuben Webster Millsaps. His son, Howard, graduated from Millsaps in 1991 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and Howard’s granddaughter, Eliza Maria, is a first-year student and member of the soccer team.
McMillan had a long and well-respected career in the banking industry, joining Jackson-based Deposit Guaranty Bank in 1960 and retiring as its chairman in 2000. He was recognized as a leader over the course of his 40 years in the industry, serving on the board of directors (and later as president) of the American Bankers Association, as well as the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
Following his retirement, McMillan embarked on a second career in academia, joining the Else School of Management as its executive-in-residence. Because of his impact on the Else School, he was later named as dean of the school. In 2009, he accepted the call of the Board of Trustees to serve as interim president and served in that role for one year until Pearigen was inaugurated in July 2010. He was also recognized by the college in 2005, when he was presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
“Howard’s involvement with, and love for, Millsaps was evident,” Pearigen remembered. “He took on a critical leadership role during a difficult time in the college’s history. His calm demeanor, combined with a determined energy, helped Millsaps emerge stronger.”
McMillan’s impact is particularly remembered by those in the Else School.
“Howard was the kindest gentleman you could encounter,” recalled Harvey Fiser, interim dean of the Else School of Management. “He exuded enthusiasm and loved being surrounded by the energy and entrepreneurship this college provided. We were just better with him. We wanted to dress better, we all pushed harder, and we were kinder—not because he told us that was how to be, but because that was the example he set. Successful in business and a model of ethics and professionalism, Howard is the example we use when we talk with students about what—and who—they can be.”
LeAnne Brewer, director of executive and continuing education, had an office across the hall from McMillan, and has fond memories of her encounters with him.
“He never failed to ask, ‘how are YOU?’, and he didn’t ask this flippantly,” said Brewer. “He meant it as a sincere question that merited a truthful and thoughtful answer that he had a genuine interest in hearing. Howard could make you believe you could accomplish anything in the world, and then he’d roll up his sleeves and help you make it happen.”
The legacy of Howard McMillan will not soon be forgotten on the Millsaps campus; those with whom he worked will ensure it remains strong.
“He was the king of ‘why not,’” said Fiser. “He pushed us to dream big and never discouraged those high aspirations. From freshmen to faculty, he was there for us all.”