James Purlee Elected to Knox College Board of Trustees

James R. Purlee has been elected to the Knox College Board of Trustees. Purlee operates Purlee Farms on more than 8,000 acres of farmland in and around Galesburg.

"Jim has been a generous donor to the college, with both his time and money," said Roger Taylor, president of Knox. "Jim serves on Knox's Business Advisory Council and provides us with fresh ideas for educating students. I look forward to continuing good counsel as he takes a leadership role at the college," Taylor adds.

"It's an honor to be a trustee of Knox College, where students come to better themselves for the future," said Purlee.

Prior to sowing the seeds of his future in farming, Purlee worked for Gunther Construction in Galesburg, taught school, and even served as a school principal. He bought his first 11 acres more than 30 years ago. Today, Purlee -- together with his partners -- farms more than 8,000 acres.

In 2002, Purlee Farms earned the Innovation of Agriculture Award -- an honor bestowed on just four farms nationwide. Purlee Farms also has earned high marks in the Best Managed Farms Contest sponsored by Farm Progress Companies.

Purlee is President of the OSF St. Mary's Hospital Board. He also serves on the boards of Wells Fargo Bank in Galesburg and Big River Resources -- a 40-million gallon ethanol plant in West Burlington, Iowa.

A native of Alexis, Purlee earned an associate's degree from Carl Sandburg College, a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Illinois, Springfield, in 1972 and a master's degree in administration from Western Illinois University, graduating Phi Kappa Phi in 1975.

Founded in 1837, Knox is a national liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, with students from 47 states and 48 countries. Knox's 'Old Main' is a National Historic Landmark and the only building remaining from the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates.