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Distinguished Alumni: Julie Curry '84, '85

A two-time EIU graduate, Julie Curry earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science before beginning a career in public and government service. Julieserved in the Illinois House of Representatives before becoming Deputy Chief of Staff for Economy and Labor in the Office of the Governor in 2003. Since 2005, she has served as president of Curry & Associates, a state government lobbying and consulting firm. She also serves as chairman of the Illinois Labor Relations Board.

Reflecting on her time at EIU, Julie credits Dr. Joe Connelly with helping shape her career path. “Dr. Joe Connelly was a mentor and a friend who encouraged me to get involved in government service and politics. I will forever be thankful for his encouragement and support.” During her time at Eastern, Julie was also a member of the EIU women’s cross country and track teams from 1980 to 1982.

Distinguished Alumni: Dr. William Smith '86, '88

After earning his bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in counseling psychology from Eastern Illinois University, Dr. William Smith earned a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois. Since joining the University of Utah in 1999, he has served as a Distinguished Professor and the Jon M. Huntsman Endowed Presidential Chair at Huntsman Mental Health Institute. His research focuses on racial stress, mental health, and educational inequality. In 2026, William was named a Fellow of the Association for the Study of Higher Education and received the Elizabeth G. Cohen Distinguished Career in Applied Sociology Award from the American Educational Research Association's Sociology of Education Special Interest Group.

William credits EIU and his graduate school mentor, Dr. Charles Eberly, with helping prepare him for his career, noting, “I learned more from him about being a successful student and professional than in any textbook.”

William participated in football, Student Government, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the NAACP, Black Student Union, and served as an admissions counselor.

Distinguished Alumni: Bonita Tillman '80

Bonita Tillman built a career that bridged journalism and corporate communications. She began her professional journey with the Suburban Journals of Southern Illinois, working first as a typesetter and freelance reporter before moving into reporting roles covering courts and county government. Over 15 years, she advanced to city editor for the weekly East St. Louis Journal.  

Bonita then transitioned into public relations, spending 22 years with Nestlé Purina. She ultimately served as a manager overseeing internal communications, including communications for the company's largest change project. After retiring, she continued writing as a freelancer for the St. Louis Business Journal.

Bonita credits EIU journalism professors Dr. Dan Thornburgh and Dr. Dave Reed with helping build her confidence as a writer. “They were so encouraging and supportive, even sending me job referrals years after I had graduated.”

 Bonita was involved with the Daily Eastern News, Unity Gospel Choir, Racquetball Club, and Groove Phi Groove Sweetheart.

Distinguished Alumni: Dr. Beverly Jordan '86

Dr. Beverly Jordan has devoted more than 30 years to education, beginning as a Chicago Public Schools teacher before moving into roles as a reading specialist, assistant principal, and principal. After earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism from EIU, she earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Chicago State University and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Loyola University Chicago.

Beverly serves as principal of Jensen Scholastic Academy, a Pre-K–8 school on Chicago’s West Side, where she focuses on strengthening academic achievement and social-emotional support. In 2025, she received the Women Making History Award from the National Council of Negro Women for her civic contributions.

Beverly credits EIU with creating friendships that have lasted for decades. “It was an amazing experience where I met many friends and sorority sisters that I still have lifelong friendships with 40 years later!”

Beverly was a member of the EIU women’s track team, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Daily Eastern News.

Distinguished Alumni: Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth '94, '98

Dr. Kimberly Hollingsworth began her higher education career at EIU as an admissions counselor and has spent more than 30 years in the field. She holds a bachelor’s degree in management and a master’s in College Student Personnel from EIU and later served in leadership roles at DePaul University and City Colleges of Chicago, including dean of students, dean of faculty, and vice president of academic and student affairs. In 2022, she earned her Ph.D. in higher education administration from Northern Illinois University.

Kimberly serves as president of Olive-Harvey College, continuing a career centered on service and leadership in higher education.

Reflecting on her time at EIU, Kimberly credits Dr. Mona Davenport, her sorority advisor, with making a lasting impact. “She was kind, patient, solution-focused, and cared about each and every student!”

Kimberly participated in ROTC, served as president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was a member of the Black Greek Council, and worked for the Daily Eastern News.

Distinguished Alumni: Nick Owens '03

Nick Owens has spent more than two decades in environmental and energy leadership, bringing together science, policy, operational risk, and business strategy. An EIU graduate in environmental biology, he began his career as a field biologist and later advanced into leadership roles supporting major energy developments worldwide.

Nick serves as Director of HSE Strategy and Assurance at SM Energy, where he leads initiatives involving risk governance, technical assurance, and sustainability. His work has helped preserve more than $2 billion in organizational value, shape federal environmental policy, and generate nearly $12 million for rare species and sensitive habitats. In 2025, Nick received the Dr. Richard J. Kramer Award for Environmental Excellence.

Nick founded Bourboneur®, a bourbon market intelligence platform whose Bourbon Blue Book® tracks bottle pricing for more than 35,000 users. His work has been referenced by Forbes.

 He previously served more than a decade on the EIU Alumni Association Board of Directors, including terms as president and vice president.

Distinguished Alumni: Lori Henderson '08, '12

Lori Henderson has built a career centered on history, tourism, and public service. She earned both her bachelor’s degree in history and master’s degree in historical administration from EIU.

After 23 years as a Publicity/Promotions Specialist in the Graduate School at Eastern Illinois University, Lori retired from EIU and now serves as Supervisor of Tourism and Special Events for the City of Charleston. She is also president of the Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation, the nonprofit supporting Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site, where she recently helped raise funding for a natural playscape at the park, and is a recipient of the Jefferson Award for Public Service.

Lori remains active throughout the community, including the Coles County Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, United Way of Coles County, Discover Downstate Illinois, and the Illinois State Historical Society.  During her time at EIU, she served on the editorial board of Historia, the history department’s student research publication.

Louis V. Hencken Alumni Service Award: Dr. Mona Davenport '85, '89

Dr. Mona Davenport has dedicated more than two decades to supporting student success, access, inclusion, and engagement at Eastern Illinois University. An EIU alumna, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Bachelor of Science in Afro-American Studies, and a Master of Science in Education in Educational Psychology and Guidance.

Since beginning her career at Eastern in 1991, Mona has built a career centered on student success, access, and engagement. Her leadership has included serving as Chief Advisor for the Gateway program and Executive Director of Inclusion & Academic Engagement. From 2022 to 2024 she served as Dean of the Academic Success Center, where she oversaw advising, accessibility, TRIO, and other student support services.

As both an alumna and longtime EIU professional, Mona sees her role as helping students recognize their potential and navigate the challenges along the way. “I consider myself a catalyst for students—helping them identify opportunities, overcome barriers, find their voice, and ultimately reach the goal I celebrate most: graduation.”

Outstanding Young Alumni: David Groves Jr. '14

David Groves Jr. began his career in human resources before finding his path in education, mentorship, and student development. An EIU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business management and a concentration in human resources, he transitioned into education as a substitute teacher in Champaign and later worked with the Principal Scholars Program at the University of Illinois.

David serves as Director of College and Career at KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School, helping students navigate college access, careers, scholarships, and financial aid.  He has helped more than 200 students earn more than $23 million in scholarships while pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Strategic Change at Lipscomb University. He remembers his work with Ceci Brinker and the University Board: “That experience taught me how to walk into spaces knowing that I belonged.” 

He was named 2013 EIU Homecoming King, served on the University Board, and founded the Phive Alive Dance Team, among other leadership roles.