Jallah Kollie class of 2026

Hailing from the gateway to the Midwest, St. Louis native and Senior, Jallah Kollie reflects on these past three years at Millikin University. His journey at Millikin began with a simple campus tour. Being provided the opportunity to meet the head of the Computer Science department drew him in. “The professor I met was really nice and up to that point I had really nice, good teachers. I knew she would be someone who was going to care for me, my education, and continue the trend of being a good teacher... It [Millikin University] was the second school I toured and said "this was it”. Since then, Jallah has made his mark on campus reminiscing on the memories, friendships, and achievements he has had during his time here at Millikin. 

​​As a Computer Science Major with a Mathematics Minor, Jallah serves his campus in multiple capacities. He serves as Mr. Ebony on the Black Student Union Executive board, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Leadership team member, President of the National Mathematics Honor Society, Pi Mu Epsilon, an EDGE Mentor, and a math center tutor. He is a man of many positions and achievements, but it does not stop there. As an active member of the campus community, Jallah also works for Millikin University Performance Consulting (MUPC) as a consultant, is a Blue Bots Robotics student worker, and an Information Technology Department student worker. When asked how he handles all these roles, Jallah thanks the opportunities Millikin has provided him with. “Academics has introduced [me] to a lot of new topics, wonder people, and I think it is something that will light my path for what god has next for me”.  

Reflecting on his time here, Jallah says that hands down freshman year was one of his favorite times on campus. The freedom of being a freshman is one often taken for granted. Being new to campus means you have no responsibilities to uphold besides your classes, only new experiences waiting to happen. He reminisces on staying up all night in the dorm hall common areas just cause. Throughout his time living in the dorms, he was able to create relationships and find friends he has kept with him until this day. He is grateful for all the positions and responsibilities he has now, as he loves contributing to the campus community, but being busy all the time can be a lot. 

When asked what lesson he would take away most from his time at Millikin, Jallah says, “do the things you absolutely dread. The I don't want to do this or don't feel like reading this extra page, will be what you gain the most reward from.” He goes on to add that whether it is out of fear, anxiety, or failure, being uncomfortable is okay. Embracing the things that challenge you is the best way to grow. The experiences of those challenges, good or bad, are what help you grow. By accepting change, you are able to become a better person. The difference between who you are when entering college is very different from who you are when leaving college. 

In excitement of what is to come in May, Jallah shared what he hopes to see after crossing the stage. “To know that God has a plan for me and to know when it is all said and done, I know that what I am going to be doing is to help uplift society.” As a Senior, Jallah does not know what is in store for the next chapter of his life. Ready to use what he has learned at Millikin, he is prepared for the unknown but grateful for all that Millikin provided.