Heartland announces Kelli Hill as vice president of continuing education and advancement

[May 23, 2015]  NORMAL - Heartland Community College has announced Kelli Hill as the College’s new vice president of continuing education and advancement. Hill previously served Heartland as executive director of planning and collaborative efforts; her new role is effective June 8.

As vice president, Hill will provide executive leadership, direction and support for the College’s Adult Education, Community Education, Customized Training, Development, Marketing and Governmental Relations units.

“Kelli is a creative, strategic thinker and really strong collaborator and communicator with the ability to be a very effective leader of Continuing Education and Advancement,” said HCC President Rob Widmer. “She has a background in education both at the K-12 and higher education levels as well as experience with economic and workforce development. Additionally, Kelli’s engagement and networking throughout the district support and enhance important Heartland business and community relationships.”

Prior to Heartland, Hill worked in K-12 education at Hinsdale and Morton school districts as a teacher and assistant principal. In 2006, she served Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing as the accelerated program coordinator and grants administrator. There, Hill led strategic action to address the needs of nursing programs and students and obtained necessary resources for program support. She then served as vice president and special projects director for the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council in 2009, where she led projects for regional, economic and workforce development.

Hill joined Heartland in 2011 as executive director of planning and collaborative efforts. In this role, Hill has assisted in advancing Heartland’s community partnerships with organizations such as Next Step and Compact. She also has been engaged with several initiatives, including the regional Certified Work Ready Communities (CWRC) initiative. Additionally in this role, Hill has been instrumental in facilitating college planning initiatives and strategies for improving institutional effectiveness.

Hill completed her undergraduate studies at Illinois State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. She also earned a Master of Science degree in educational administration from Northern Illinois University.

In 1995, Hill was named Assistant Principal of the Year by the Illinois Principals’ Association and in 2008, she was named Individual Service Provider of the Year by the Illinois Workforce Investment Board Area 16 and Career Link. She currently serves on numerous councils and boards throughout the community.

[Becky Gropp, Heartland Community College]