A Fond Farewell

Staff and faculty host a surprise sendoff for beloved McCombs Dean Lillian Mills

On April 10, the McCombs Dean’s Advisory Council gathered at Rowling Hall for a day of reflection, connection, and celebration.

Lillian Mills will complete her six-year term as dean of the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin at the end of June. She announced in August that she would not seek another term. After her final Advisory Council meeting as dean, her colleagues, staff, friends, and family showed their appreciation for her leadership with a surprise farewell celebration.

Mills became dean in 2020, just as COVID-19 was upending the higher education landscape. During her tenure she instituted hybrid learning environments, exceeded record-breaking fundraising campaigns, and generated more than $175 million in funding support for Mulva Hall, a new $425 million, 17-story business education building scheduled to open in 2028.

The day began with a breakfast reception and art tour, highlighting recent art acquisitions in Rowling Hall made possible through the generosity of Carolyn and Preston, UT ’62, Butcher. Attendees then moved to Crum Auditorium for a fireside chat moderated by Mills and featuring Jim Lee, BBA ’88, MBA ’92, chairman, founder, and CEO of TXSE Group Inc.; and Aasem Khalil, global head of investment banking services at Goldman Sachs. Their discussion offered insight into the evolving financial landscape and the growing influence of Texas in global markets.

After the discussion, McCombs Success Scholars took the stage for a student panel moderated by Jay Guevara, assistant director of the program. Students shared reflections on their academic journeys, leadership experiences, and the impact of the McCombs community on their personal and professional growth.

The program closed with a tribute video featuring messages from faculty and staff members celebrating Mills’ leadership and impact.

In her remarks to the council, Mills, the first female dean in the school’s 100-year history, reflected on her six years of leadership and expressed gratitude for the partnership and support of the McCombs community. She also acknowledged the loss of graduating senior Savitha Shan, who was killed in a shooting in March. Mills announced that Shan’s family had worked with UT to honor Shan’s legacy with a scholarship established in her name.

The day concluded with a surprise gathering in the Rowling Hall atrium, where faculty, staff, friends, and family gathered to recognize Mills and celebrate her contributions to McCombs. Amid cheers and heartfelt moments, Caitlin Mullaney, McCombs senior associate dean for business affairs and chief operating officer, and Sam L. Susser, Dean’s Advisory Council chair, BBA ’85, recognized Mills for her leadership and vision for the school.

Mills will begin a yearlong sabbatical in June and will return to McCombs as a professor in the Accounting Department for the 2027-2028 academic year.

“What makes McCombs special is not just excellence, it’s the care, collaboration, and commitment you bring to this institution and to our students every day,” she said. “I’ll return to the classroom in fall of 2027, and I will be proud to serve the next dean.”

Click here to read more about Dean Mills’ accomplishments during her six years at the helm of McCombs.

Story by Miranda Bradley