Former Murray State University professor and donor Marvin Mills died Monday at 97 years old.
Office of Multicultural Initiatives Executive Director SG Carthell said Mills was a “cornerstone” in the Murray community. Carthell said Mills was one of the first African American faculty members at Murray State.
The university in 2005 dedicated the multicultural center in Mills’ name. Carthell said Mills and his wife Eunice established a scholarship and a foundation account for the center. The Marvin D. Mills diversity scholarship covers tuition, housing and a meal plan. Carthell said each year the scholarship is awarded to roughly ten students.
“He would come every year to meet with them, talk with them,” Carthell said. “His 67th wedding anniversary we actually took about 40 students up and honored him and his wife. He sat down and basically we were at his feet. He shared his whole life story and the importance of excellence.”
The scholarship requires recipients to participate in a retention leadership development program also named after Mills. Carthell said Mills’ biggest legacy was his mentorship and care for students. He says Mills was an accomplished academic and was instrumental in starting the Occupational Safety and Health program at Murray State. Mills was a World War II veteran.
Murray State Director of Communication Shawn Touney made the following statement:
"Dr. Marvin D. Mills touched, inspired, supported and mentored many students throughout his outstanding lifetime of service to Murray State University. The University community extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mills family as Dr. Mills will forever be part of our Racer family. Dr. Mills' legacy lives on in our continued mission to best serve our students in a community of inclusion, diversity, and excellence."
The funeral services are Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Southern Hills United Methodist Church. Visitation is from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The funeral starts at 1:00 p.m. Entombment will follow at Blue Grass Memorial Gardens in Nicholasville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marvin D. & Eunice J. Mills Scholarship Fund at Murray State University.