EIU Media Relations

EIU Alumni Association to honor nine alumni for service, leadership and lasting impact

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University will recognize nine alumni whose careers and lives reflect the many ways an EIU education can extend well beyond graduation during the 2026 University Awards Reception & Dinner on Friday, October 23. The honorees will be recognized from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union, located at 600 Lincoln Ave. in Charleston, as part of EIU’s Homecoming celebration.

This year’s Alumni Association honorees include seven recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Award, one recipient of the Louis V. Hencken Alumni Service Award, and one recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni whose professional accomplishments and service reflect the impact of their EIU experiences. This year’s recipients include:

Julie Curry ’84, ’85
A two-time EIU graduate, Julie Curry earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science before beginning a career in public and government service. She served in the Illinois House of Representatives and later became 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. Curry credits EIU professor Dr. Joe Connelly with helping set the direction for her career. “Dr. Joe Connelly was a mentor and a friend who encouraged me to get involved in government service and politics,” Curry said. “I will forever be thankful for his encouragement and support.” While at Eastern, Curry also competed on the women’s cross country and track teams from 1980 to 1982.

Dr. William Smith ’86, ’88
After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from EIU in psychology and counseling psychology, respectively, Dr. William Smith earned a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois. Smith joined the University of Utah in 1999 and now serves as a Distinguished Professor and the Jon M. Huntsman Endowed Presidential Chair at Huntsman Mental Health Institute. His research examines racial stress, mental health and educational inequality. In 2026, he 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. Smith credits his EIU education and graduate school mentor Dr. Charles Eberly with preparing him for his career. “I learned more from him about being a successful student and professional than in any textbook,” Smith said. At Eastern, Smith participated in football, Student Government, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the NAACP and Black Student Union and worked as an admissions counselor.

Bonita Tillman ’80
Bonita Tillman built a career that connected journalism, communications and public service. She began at the Suburban Journals of Southern Illinois as a typesetter and freelance reporter before moving into reporting on courts and county government. Over 15 years, she advanced to city editor of the weekly East St. Louis Journal. Tillman later spent 22 years with Nestlé Purina, ultimately serving as a manager overseeing internal communications, including communications for the company’s largest change project. Since retiring, she has continued writing as a freelancer for the St. Louis Business Journal. Tillman credits EIU journalism professors Dr. Dan Thornburgh and Dr. Dave Reed with helping her develop confidence as a writer. “They were so encouraging and supportive, even sending me job referrals years after I had graduated,” Tillman said. At EIU, Tillman was involved with the Daily Eastern News, Unity Gospel Choir, Racquetball Club and Groove Phi Groove Sweetheart.

Dr. Beverly Jordan ’86
Dr. Beverly Jordan has spent more than 30 years in education, beginning as a Chicago Public Schools teacher and later serving as a reading specialist, assistant principal and principal. After earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism from EIU, Jordan earned a master’s degree in educational administration from Chicago State University and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Loyola University Chicago. She now serves as principal of Jensen Scholastic Academy, a Pre-K–8 school on Chicago’s West Side, where she focuses on 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. For Jordan, the value of her EIU experience is reflected in relationships that have lasted decades. “It was an amazing experience where I met many friends and sorority sisters that I still have lifelong friendships with 40 years later!” Jordan said. She was a member of the EIU women’s track team, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Daily Eastern News.

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 working in the field. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern in management and College Student Personnel, respectively, and later held leadership positions at DePaul University and City Colleges of Chicago, including dean of students, dean of faculty and vice president of academic and student affairs. She earned her Ph.D. in higher education administration from Northern Illinois University in 2022. Hollingsworth now serves as president of Olive-Harvey College, continuing a career focused on service, access and leadership in higher education. She remembers Dr. Mona Davenport, her EIU sorority advisor, as someone whose approach to students left a lasting impression. “She was kind, patient, solution-focused, and cared about each and every student!” Hollingsworth said. At Eastern, Hollingsworth 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.

Nick Owens ’03
Nick Owens has spent more than two decades working at the intersection of environmental science, energy, policy and business strategy. An EIU graduate in environmental biology, Owens began his career as a field biologist before moving into leadership roles supporting major energy developments around the world. He serves as Director of HSE Strategy and Assurance at SM Energy, where his work includes 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, he received the Dr. Richard J. Kramer Award for Environmental Excellence. Owens also 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. His connection to EIU has continued well beyond his graduation. Owens served more than a decade on the EIU Alumni Association Board of Directors, including terms as president and vice president.

Lori Henderson ’08, ’12
Lori Henderson has built a career centered on history, tourism and public service in the Charleston community. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history and historical administration from EIU. After 23 years as a Publicity/Promotions Specialist in the Graduate School at Eastern, Henderson retired from the University and now serves as Supervisor of Tourism and Special Events for the City of Charleston. She also serves as president of the Lincoln Log Cabin Foundation, the nonprofit supporting Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. In that role, she recently helped raise funding for a natural playscape at the park. She is also a recipient of the Jefferson Award for Public Service. Henderson remains active with the Coles County Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, United Way of Coles County, Discover Downstate Illinois and the Illinois State Historical Society. While 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
First presented in 1988, the Alumni Service Award is presented to alumni who have repeatedly displayed outstanding voluntary service to the University. In 2007 the name was changed to the Louis V. Hencken Alumni Service Award in honor of Eastern's outgoing president. Lou Hencken served Eastern in a variety of administrative positions for over 40 years and was named University president on August 1, 2001. He retired from the presidency on June 30, 2007. This year’s recipient is Dr. Mona Davenport. Dr. Davenport has spent more than three decades helping EIU students find opportunities, navigate challenges and reach their goals. An EIU alumna, Davenport 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. She began her career at Eastern in 1991 and has held leadership roles including 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, overseeing advising, accessibility, TRIO and other student support services. For Davenport, the work is personal. As both an alumna and longtime EIU professional, she has focused her career on helping students recognize their potential and move through the obstacles that can stand between them and graduation. “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,” Davenport said.

Outstanding Young Alumni Award
David Groves Jr. ’14
First presented in 1988, the Outstanding Young Alumni is presented to an EIU alum who is 35 years of age or younger and has excelled in a new career and/or public service. This year’s recipient is David Groves Jr. Groves Jr. began his career in human resources before finding his path in education, mentorship and student development. A graduate of EIU’s business management program with a concentration in human resources, Groves transitioned into education as a substitute teacher in Champaign before working with the Principal Scholars Program at the University of Illinois. Today, he serves as Director of College and Career at KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School, where he helps 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. Groves traces part of his approach to leadership back to his experience at EIU. “That experience taught me how to walk into spaces knowing that I belonged,” he said of his work with Ceci Brinker and the University Board. While at Eastern, Groves was named 2013 EIU Homecoming King, served on the University Board and founded the Phive Alive Dance Team, among other leadership roles.

The EIU Alumni Awards
The Alumni Awards are presented annually as part of EIU’s Homecoming celebration and recognize EIU alumni whose careers, service and continued connections to Eastern reflect the many paths an EIU education can take. The 2026 University Awards Reception & Dinner is sponsored by EIU University Advancement, the EIU Alumni Association and the EIU Foundation. Registration is required. Interested attendees can reserve their spots or check ticket availability by contacting the EIU Alumni Association directly at (217) 581-6425 or alumeiu@eiu.edu.

As the 2026 Homecoming celebration approaches, EIU also invites alumni, students, families and friends to save the date for the University’s 2027 Homecoming festivities. Additional information about 2027 Homecoming events is available at eiu.edu/homecoming.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU's Public Information Office at (217) 581-7400.

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