DECATUR, Ill. – For senior and pre-med student David Navarra, Millikin has become more than a college campus – it’s a close-knit community that feels like home.
Originally born in the Congo and raised in Champaign, Ill., David knew he wanted to stay close to his younger siblings while also pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor. combination of academic rigor, athletic opportunities, and supportive culture made it the perfect fit.
When David first arrived on campus, Athletics was at the center of his Millikin experience, as he competed on both the Football and Wrestling teams. After two years of balancing both sports, he decided to focus on Wrestling, where he felt he could excel and grow while still dedicating himself to his pre-med studies. Competing at 184 pounds, David credits Director of Wrestling Ryan Birt and his teammates for creating an environment that feels like family.
“Our coach makes sure the culture is about more than just wrestling,” David said. “It’s about being there for each other, working hard, and learning to push through challenges. That mindset is something I carry into everything I do.”
David also appreciates which will soon also be the home of . Birt will lead the new program and will begin competition in the fall of 2026.
“We have one of the best wrestling facilities in Division III, and it shows how much our coaches and the University care about us, and it motivates us to work harder,” David said.
Though his path to medicine wasn’t always clear, conversations with his grandfather – a doctor – inspired David to pursue a career in healthcare. He is currently preparing for the MCAT and has his sights set on medical school after graduation, as he considers anesthesiology or psychiatry as possible specialties.
“I’ve always known I wanted to help people,” he explained. “Studying Biology here at Millikin has given me opportunities like research with faculty and hands-on experiences that will prepare me for medical school.”
Beyond Athletics and academics, David is deeply involved in campus leadership. He serves as a Student Experience Ambassador, a Big Blue Ambassador, and a member of the Council of Student Ambassadors (COSA). He’s also helped mentor peers through tutoring, and one of his favorite roles is helping first-year students adjust to college life.
“Being an Ambassador is about more than giving directions or answering questions – it’s about connecting,” he said. “Sometimes that means joking around, playing music, or just making new students feel like they belong.”
Through his strong academic performance, David was recently awarded the Associates Scholarship, which he says has lifted a huge weight from his shoulders.
“It took a big load off financially and gave me more freedom to focus on opportunities like a biology study-abroad course in Florida,” he said. “Scholarships like this make a real difference for students like me.”
Thinking of what he values most about Millikin, David doesn’t hesitate: it’s the people.
“My favorite thing about Millikin is the community,” he said. “Because it’s a smaller school, it’s easy to build friendships and connections. I don’t think I could have made it this far without the friends and teammates who support me.”
As he prepares for graduation and his next step toward medical school, David knows he’s on the right track.
“Even when I doubt myself, I think about where I started and where I am now,” he said. “I know the younger me would be proud.”
