Christopher Merrett

Chris Merrett is the Dean for Innovation and Economic Development at Western Illinois University, where responsibilities include building strategic partnerships to foster community and economic development, collaborating with key entities like the Governors Rural Affairs Council and the Illinois Innovation Network. In addition to serving as the Graduate Program Chair for the MA in Community and Economic Development, Chris is the Director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, focusing on rural economic development through research, teaching, and outreach. With a strong academic background that includes a PhD in Geography and Planning from the University of Iowa, Chris also teaches and conducts research on topics related to community economic development, cooperatives, and design thinking. Prior professional experience includes a visiting assistant professorship at the University of Northern Iowa and work as a union laborer at Great Lakes Power Corporation.