The Danville Area Community College Foundation has announced the selection of Tonya Hill as its new Executive Director.
Ms. Hill, a DACC alumnae, has a history of service to the College and Foundation. She was a member of the DACC Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee for many years and attended the annual Honors Program faithfully. Students loved to be photographed with her because she clearly had faith and a vested interest in their future success. She says, “I’m proud that I have influenced a number of friends and coworkers to continue their education. Many have come back years later to thank me for encouraging them.”
In 2015, Ms. Hill successfully ran for and was elected to fill a 6-year term on the DACC Board of Trustees. She resigned from that posiiton on August 10, 2018, when she learned she was a finalist for the Foundation Executive Director post. The DACC Board of Trustees is in the process of replacing her on the seven-member Board. By State law, the Board has 60 days from her resignation date to appoint her replacement, who will serve until the next Consolidated Election in April, 2019.
Ms. Hill has long been a cheerleader who encourages others to pursue additional education and is quick to point out that DACC is affordable and accessible. She says she feels it’s important to advocate for higher education because of the opportunities afforded her through education. “I have an appreciation for what education can do to advance your career and your overall position in life.”
Ms. Hill, a Catlin resident, was named DACC’s Distinguished Alumnus in 2016. She comes to the Foundation from Old National Bank, where she became the bank’s first female Market President in Danville also in 2016. From being the first in her family to attend college to being the first female in her current office, Ms. Hill has optimized the benefits of higher education in her own life and promoted the advantages of continuing education to others.
DACC Foundation Board President Tom Chamberlain says, “Tonya’s sparkling personality and genuine caring and concern shine through to clients, colleagues, and friends alike. Community service is integral to her life. She epitomizes the community college graduate who utilizes her education and talent to improve her community. She will be an outstanding addition to the DACC Foundation, and an excellent leader for our mission of developing and enhancing educational opportunities and services for students, alumni, and citizens of the district.”
