Mills College, the liberal arts educational institution for women in Oakland, California, has announced what it calls a “Blueprint for Restructuring.” The college’s board of trustees outlined a plan to revamp the college’s finances to reverse a persistent and growing deficit. The Board has declared a financial emergency, authorizing adoption of a Financial Stabilization Plan that will enable Mills to reduce its deficit and more quickly reorganize the college to meet the needs and interests of students.
The restructuring plan will require a reduction in force of staff and faculty. The college will also explore strategic alliances with other institutions to boost enrollment and enhance opportunities for Mills students. The college will also explore public and private partnership opportunities in the arts, business, and technology to integrate community and professional connections into students’ academic programs.
“Like so many academic institutions across the country today, Mills is facing financial challenges that require us to change the way we think,” said Mills’ President Elizabeth L. Hillman. “It’s time to act strategically to secure Mills’ future and prepare for growth and collaboration. We regret that difficult decisions will be necessary to assure the college’s health and permit the refocusing of our programs.”
President Hillman took office last July. Previously, she was provost, academic dean, and professor of law at the University of California, Hastings College of Law in San Francisco. Dr. Hillman is a graduate of Duke University, where she majored in electrical engineering. She holds a master’s degree in history from the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree and a Ph.D. in women’s history from Yale University.