THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RELEASE
DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College proudly announces that Professor Marcie Wright, MSHI, RHIA, CHDA, CCS, ODS, has been named a Faculty Fellow by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). This prestigious national honor recognizes her outstanding leadership and continued commitment to advancing Health Information Management (HIM) education.
Wright, a proud DACC graduate, has been a champion for students in the field for nearly 20 years. Her recognition as a CAHIIM Faculty Fellow is a testament to her dedication to excellence in teaching and her efforts to strengthen workforce readiness in the healthcare data and information sector.
The CAHIIM Faculty Fellowship honors educators who have made significant contributions to health information programs nationwide. Wright’s service includes more than five years as a peer reviewer for CAHIIM and her participation in testing tools such as the Annual Program Assessment Report (APAR) system, which helps programs evaluate and improve outcomes.
In addition to her role at DACC, Wright served on the Council for Excellence in Education (CEE) with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), is a member of the Illinois Health Information Management Association (ILHIMA) Board of Directors, and currently holds the position of president-elect for the Central Illinois Health Information Management Association (CIHIMA).
Wright’s journey into health information began at DACC in 2001, when she enrolled in the Medical Office program as a stay-at-home mom with no prior computer skills. Encouraged by faculty member Carolyn Jensen and inspired by a friend in the field, Wright was among the first students to enroll in DACC’s newly launched HIT program.
In her final semester, Wright was hired by VA Illiana Healthcare to work in a regional coding pool that served facilities across Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. After earning additional certification as a Certified Coding Specialist, she returned to DACC to teach part-time while maintaining a leadership role at the VA. She later chaired the ICD-10 Implementation Committee at the VA, leading the organization through a major data systems transition.
Throughout her career, Wright has continued her education, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and later a Master of Science in Health Informatics. She also developed online coding courses for DACC’s Corporate Education department, ensuring working professionals could upskill to meet national standards.
Wright served as Director of the HIT program for more than a decade before choosing to step back from the administrative role in 2020 to spend more time in the classroom—a decision driven by her passion for teaching. In addition to her work in the HIT program, she also teaches high school equivalency courses in DACC’s Adult Education Department, helping adult learners earn their Illinois High School Diploma and pursue new career pathways.
“Working alongside Marcie during my time as HIT Director has been both an honor and a joy. Her unwavering dedication to our students, the college, the community, and the health information profession is evident in everything she does,” said Kelly Johnson, DACC’s current Director of Health Informatics Programs. “I’ve witnessed firsthand her deep commitment to excellence, her tireless efforts to lift others up, and the way she models integrity and compassion in every role she takes on. Marcie’s recognition is not only well-earned—it reflects the impact she’s had on countless lives here at DACC and beyond.”
Despite multiple professional opportunities, Wright has remained committed to DACC and its mission. “I know all the program graduates, from day one,” she said. “I’ve either sat beside them as a student or taught them. I’m invested in the success of this program and its graduates.”
DACC congratulates Professor Wright on this well-deserved recognition from CAHIIM. Her leadership, innovation, and student-first approach continue to elevate the college and the health information profession.
Danville Area Community College is a comprehensive community college serving Illinois District 507, which consists of Vermilion County and parts of Champaign, Iroquois, Edgar, and Ford counties. DACC’s main campus is located at 2000 East Main Street, Danville. The College has a higher-learning center in Hoopeston at 847 E. Orange. To apply to DACC, call 217-443-3222 or visit the Web site at www.DACC.EDU.
