McMillan assumes duties as director

Kim McMillan assumed her duties as executive director of community and business relations Nov. 12. This role is her most recent in a long-standing career as both an attorney and politician.

"President Hall and the rest of the people who work for Austin Peay have been so welcoming," McMillan said.

McMillan's current office in Browning is only temporary, she said, as the offices she will occupy are being prepared.

"I look forward to getting settled in," McMillan said.

This move came after serving as Gov. Bredesen's senior advisor since Dec. 2006, and serving as a Representative for Clarksville in the Tennessee House of Representatives.

"After having spent 13 years working in Nashville, at this point in my career I wanted to be closer to my family," McMillan said. "It's much easier to drive and watch my daughter's basketball game from Clarksville."

McMillan's new job involves developing corporate and community relationships for APSU, identifying alumni within the community that would, "suggest [a] positive relationship based upon common interest," and making sure that proposals are developed and acted upon, according to the job description posted for the job.

After working in government, McMillan said it's good that she has found a way to finally work in higher education.

Her father was a professor at the University of Tennessee.

"I love higher education. I have had a special place in my heart for higher education," McMillan said. "It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."

McMillan was certain that she would enjoy her new job, and that serving at APSU is still a way for her to give back to the community.

"The last year I spent directly working for Gov. Bredesen was an opportunity and honor not many can enjoy. I will take that experience and the things I learned with me into this new role at Austin Peay State University," McMillan said.

McMillan, as previously reported, is considered one of the top candidates for governor in the 2010 elections.