EDUCATION
Ph.D. History – Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
M.A. History – Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida
B.A. History Education– Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
July 2016 – June 2019 Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs
ONONDAGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Syracuse, New York
State University of New York (SUNY)
Institutional Profile: Onondaga Community College (OCC) is a two-year “open-door” public institution serving the five-county region of Central New York (CNY). OCC is one of sixty-four colleges and universities part of the State University of New York (SUNY) and is one of the largest community colleges in the system with one main campus and a satellite center. The college is home to the Onondaga Nation one of the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. OCC partners with thirty-four school districts offering dual credit courses to high school students in the community, along with a robust center for workforce development. Through credit, workforce development and continuing education courses, OCC serves more than 10,000 credit and non-credit students annually with an operating budget of $80.8 million dollars. There are 192 full-time faculty and 200 adjunct faculty with 2,000 employees.
Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs: Responsible for 45 degree and certificate programs in collaboration with Workforce Development and College Credit Now. Manage a $24 million dollar budget with 392 full-time and adjunct faculty, staff, and professional administrator employees from three collective bargaining units.
July 2015 – June 2016 Dean of Academic Studies
LEE COLLEGE, Baytown, Texas
Institutional Profile: A comprehensive associate degree granting community college, serving more than 7,000 students in rural, suburban, high school, and prison settings. An Achieving the Dream Leader College since 2011, Lee College has received recognition by the Aspen Institute and the American Association of Community Colleges for moving the needle forward on student success. Nominated and recognized as a 2018 Bellwether finalist, Lee College serves in a geographic area with nearly 220,000 residents, fifteen school districts, and thirteen counties. Lee operates a main campus, two satellite centers focused on workforce development, and a prison site.
Dean of Academic Studies: Responsible for over fifty degree and certificate programs, P-16 initiatives including dual credit and early college enrollment, oversight of international programs. Managed a $5 million budget with over 150 full-time and adjunct faculty, staff, and professional administrator employees.
June 2014 – June 2015 Executive Dean of Centers/Dean of Instruction,
LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM—NORTH HARRIS CAMPUS—GREENSPOINT AND VICTORY CENTERS,
Houston, Texas
Institutional Profile: Lone Star College (LSC) is a comprehensive multi-campus system serving more than 95,000 students in rural, suburban, and urban settings. Founded in 1973, LSC is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and one of the fastest growing community college systems in the nation, offering Associate Degrees, Workforce Certificates, and Transfer Credits. The college system is home to six distinct campuses and multiple centers and satellite locations.
Executive Dean of Centers/Dean of Instruction: Served as the principle academic and budgetary officer for the North Harris Centers with oversight over twenty-two instructional programs.
July 2011-June 2014 Department Chair, Social and Behavioral Sciences and Kinesiology
Faculty Senate President
LONE STAR COLLEGE SYSTEM—UNIVERSITY PARK CAMPUS Houston, Texas
Institutional Profile: Lone Star College (LSC) is a comprehensive multi-campus system serving more than 95,000 students in rural, suburban, and urban settings. Founded in 1973, LSC is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and one of the fastest growing community college systems in the nation, offering associate degrees, workforce certificates, and transfer credits. The college system is home to six distinct campuses and multiple centers and satellite locations.
Department Chair, Social and Behavioral Sciences and Kinesiology (2011-2014): Responsible for leading the department’s strategic planning process. Served as mentor to colleagues and collaborated with administration on issues affecting the college and students. Led faculty through the process of curriculum development and advocated the needs of the department to senior executives.
Faculty Senate President (2012-2014): Encouraged a learning environment of trust and mutual respect between faculty and college administration while promoting excellence in the classroom, college, and community.
August 2010-July 2011 Assistant Professor, History, Lone Star College-Tomball,
Tomball, Texas
Assistant Professor of History: Responsible for providing learning activities to fulfill student learning outcomes of designated courses. Also participated in institutional service and professional development activities when appropriate.
August 2008-July 2010 Adjunct Faculty, History
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY, Tallahassee, Florida
Institutional Profile: Florida A&M University (FAMU) is a Historically Black College and University in Tallahassee, Florida. Founded in 1887, FAMU enrolls over 9,000 students annually. It is the third largest HBCU in the United States, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees to students.
Adjunct Faculty, History: Responsible for providing learning activities to fulfill student learning outcomes of designated courses. Also participated in institutional service and professional development activities when appropriate.
August 2007-July 2009 Adjunct Faculty, History,
TALLAHASSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Tallahassee, Florida
Institutional Profile: An Achieving the Dream Leader College since 2009, Tallahassee Community College (TCC) is a comprehensive suburban campus serving more than 12,000 students in both suburban and urban settings. Since 1966, Tallahassee Community College has offered high quality post-secondary education for three nearby counties and students throughout the state and nation. TCC offers over 80 associate’s degree and certificate programs in a variety of modalities.
Adjunct Faculty, History: Responsible for providing learning activities to fulfill student learning outcomes of designated courses. Also participated in institutional service and professional development activities when appropriate.
SELECTED PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
· Middle States Steering Committee and Executive Council Liaison to the President, 2016-2018
· Middle States Commission on Higher Education Peer Review Training, 2018
· Co-Chair College Leadership Council, Onondaga Community College, 2016-present
· Co-Chair Perkins Advisory Council, 2016-present
· SUNY Chief Academic Officers Association, 2016-present
· Quality Enhancement Plan Implementation Team, Lee College, 2015-2016
· SACSCOC President’s Leadership Team, Lee College, 2015-2016
· Co-Chair, Dual Credit Advisory Committee, Lee College, 2015-2016
· Deans’ Council, Lone Star College System, 2014-2015
· Workforce Council, Lone Star College System, 2014-2015
· National Model United Nations Co-Advisor, Lone Star College University Park, 2013-2014
· Total Compensation Advisory Committee, Lone Star College System, 2013-2014
· Chair, Student Disciplinary Committee, LSC University Park, 2012-2014
· African American History and Culture Committee, 2012-2014
· Vice-Chair, Institutional Review Board, Lone Star College System, 2012-2014
· Early Alert Committee Member, Lone Star College System, 2012-2014
· Campus Technology Advisory Council, Lone Star College System, 2012-2014
· Houston Guided Pathways to Success Member, 2012-2014
PUBLICATIONS
· Horton, J., Brown I and Willis, D. “Process Education and Leadership in Higher Education.” Cases in Educational Leadership (Cullowhee: Western Carolina University Press, 2017).
· Willis, Daria J. “Mary E. C. Day: An Intimate Portrait of a Black Missionary Educator in Tallahassee; Tallahassee, Florida, 1866-1880.” The Varieties of Women’s Experiences: Portraits of Southern Women (Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2009), 64-84.
· Willis, Daria J. “Mary E. C. Day Smith: An Intimate Portrait of a Pioneering Black Educator
and AME Minister in Post – Civil War Florida.” AME Church Review121 (2005): 12-20.
SELECTED CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
· Know Thyself, You Can’t Fail Conference, Keynote Speaker, November 2017
· To Dean or Not to Dean: Transitioning to a New Leadership Model, American Association of Community Colleges, April 2017
· Having the Courage to Say Yes, Tedx, Onondaga Community College, October 2016
· From Adjunct to Dean, American Association of Adjunct Education, Keynote Speaker, November 2014
· Building Excellent Interpersonal Competence and Work Relationships, Southwest University for Minorities of China and LSC North Harris Administration, October 22, 2014
· The Doctoral Support Group, Lone Star College System Teaching and Learning Conference, Keynote Speaker, March 2014
· Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women in Higher Education, Lone Star College -University Park, December 2013
· Black History IS American History, Lone Star College – Kingwood, February 2013
· Preserving Your Church History, Keynote Speaker, St. Mary’s Primitive Baptist Church, March, 2009
· Getting on the Record: The Life of Adella Hunt Logan, National Council on Black Studies, March, 2009
· Adella Hunt Logan 1863-1915, Southern Conference on African American Studies, Inc., January, 2007.
· Mary E. C. Smith: An Intimate Portrait of a Pioneering Black Educator and AME Minister in Post – Civil War Florida, Graduate Association for African American History Conference, Memphis, Tennessee, September 2006.
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS AND AWARDS
· American Association of Women in Community Colleges 40 Under 40 Award, 2018
· The Thomas Lakin Institute for Mentored Leadership, President’s Roundtable, 2017
· The Executive Leadership Institute, League for Innovation, 2017
· The Lone Star College System “Academy” for Leadership, 2012
· The Higher Education Teaching Institute, Lone Star College System, 2010
SELECTED MEMBERSHIPS AND COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARDS
· American Association of Women in Community Colleges, Syracuse, New York
· National Council on Black American Affairs
· Syracuse City School District Educational Foundation Board, Syracuse, New York
· Central New York Arts Board Member, Syracuse, New York
· Greater Syracuse H.O.P.E. Executive Committee, Syracuse, New York
· Co-Chair, 2017 United Way Campaign, Syracuse, New York
· Chair, Texas Southern University Thomas F. Freeman Honor’s College Advisory Board, Houston, Texas
· Acres Homes Super Neighborhood #6 Education Committee, Houston, Texas
Christopher (Wednesday, 13 November 2019 19:09)
Dope insight. Inspiring and authentic!
Kayla (Wednesday, 23 October 2019 21:27)
Thank you for sharing your journey as president thus far. Great advice; I saved this post as a reminder.
Crystal Banks (Tuesday, 22 October 2019 22:41)
Great reflection! I am so happy that you are willing to share your experience with others. Looking forward to your next 100 days! Happy birthday
Michael Santana (Tuesday, 22 October 2019 14:53)
You are such an inspiration to individuals aspiring to reach their goals and dreams. Someone very close to me works in higher education as well and they are constantly dealing with daily decisions that are pivotal. Thank you for sharing...
Dr. Terry (Tuesday, 22 October 2019 12:25)
Excellent insight. Thank you for sharing!
Tammy Reichelt (Tuesday, 22 October 2019 05:49)
Congratulations on your first 100 days and Happy Birthday! This is a great blog post and provides valuable tips for those seeking a presidency. I hope you can join us at share your experience at our next Future President’s Institute.
Merrill Irving Jr. (Monday, 21 October 2019 15:53)
You continue to inspire, lead and LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE! Thank you for the wisdom wrapped in SWAGG.
Kim Ingram (Monday, 21 October 2019 10:42)
Great blog post. It seems that you understand work-life balance which is very important. You have a tough job but you still seem to find time to do the things that you love. I look forward to other blog posts that will inspire me to keep fighting in higher education and fulfilling my dreams.
Jeri (Sunday, 20 October 2019 14:32)
You are doing a great job!!
Nicole Oglesby (Saturday, 19 October 2019 22:33)
Thank you for sharing! Your honesty and truth were appreciated. I pray that I am blessed to have the opportunity to become a college president!
Your a role model for Black women in higher education! Wishing you continued success!
Ski (Saturday, 19 October 2019 07:18)
Good reminders even for those of us who have been privileged to serve in these roles for 2,800 days!
Anthony Parker-Gills (Friday, 18 October 2019 07:07)
I really enjoyed reading your blog you provided some great advice/tips. Keep up the good work.
Patricia Washington (Thursday, 17 October 2019 13:51)
You are amazing and thank you for your inspiration!
Alette Stevens (Wednesday, 16 October 2019 13:33)
Happy birthday! It's an honor to be acquainted with you. Through our conversation and your blog, I am learning so much about the nuts and bolts of leadership. Thank you for taking the time to share.
Tony J (Wednesday, 16 October 2019 02:26)
The bomb! The level of transparency puts you on another level! Love it and you! About Ghanna, share those dates!
Isiah Brown (Sunday, 08 September 2019 02:11)
Great inspirational message! Keep moving forward!!!!
Joyce Boatright (Sunday, 11 August 2019 11:37)
You are an inspiration to us all. Keep on keeping it real.
James (Wednesday, 07 August 2019 19:42)
The struggle for self care is real. Especially when you have a family. I recall when my partner and I had legal custody of my great nephew from 2nd to 5th grade. It was an unexpected addition to our new relationship (1.5 years at that point) and now all of a sudden we had a kid in the house and it was a growing family. I never truly understood the parent challenge of finding time for oneself or ability to exercise until i had my nephew in the house. All of a sudden, i found it hard to be in the gym after work knowing my nephew was at home and perhaps needed me. Or I would be in a panic if i didn't talk with him on the phone after he was released from school, and I felt as though i needed to get home quickly. As you would imagine, i would hurry home only to find that he was fine and my partner was napping on the sofa. Although i knew that i would be ok if i did go to the gym, a guilt like feeling always hindered me from feeling like it was ok not to be home. Similar to you, i purchased an in home elliptical and was able to work out at home. Regarding snacks: I keep almonds, fruit, Belvita wafers, almond butter, and trail mix in my lunch bag and stored in my work desk at all times. When i need a snack, i have it ready. One of my frustrations is being hungry and out hunting for something to eat either on the road or at a vending machine. I suggest to keep the snacks around you and do eat them, before you actually get hungry. This way you stay in front of it, rather than trying to satisfying it in a hurry. Also, drink lots of water.
Tonjua Williams (Wednesday, 07 August 2019 19:38)
Excellent article
Lynda Batiste (Wednesday, 07 August 2019 19:05)
Awesome read. The struggle is real. Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone.
Tiffany Williams (Wednesday, 07 August 2019 11:15)
I can relate 120%. With life's stresses and being busy with family and work, it became so easy to fall into a slump. Trying to find the time to take care of myself and go to the gym, there's just not enough time in the day! I felt defeated with no convenient way to incorporate exercise into my day and the pounds continued to pile on along with knee and back pain... That is until I saw one of your blog posts with a photo of a Peloton. So I did some research! Comparing the price of a gym membership + childcare, even cycling club memberships + childcare. Peloton was still less expensive and offered so much more value. Within a couple days I ended up ordering my own Peloton, the Essentials Package. It arrives next week and I am super excited to be able to finally focus on me and living a healthier lifestyle. As always, you're inspiring and thank you so much for sharing you, the real you! It's great to know I'm not the only one conquering life's challenges.
Rosie RC (Wednesday, 07 August 2019 09:49)
Love this post, and thanks for helping to normalize our body images by being so up front about weight and weight gain. I'm in the same boat as you, post baby weight gain + stress + travel except I had the milestone of STARTING blood pressure meds when I turned 40. Your post is a great reminder to maintain my daily intention of wellness. I'm responding from MY hotel room, so I'll see you at that buffet line later today. �
Dwight (Wednesday, 31 July 2019 16:13)
All that glitters is gold. You go, Prez!
Dwight (Wednesday, 31 July 2019 16:09)
Hi President Daria, best to you and everyone there.
Dwight@OCC
Lynda Batiste (Monday, 22 July 2019 10:13)
So refreshing to read your blog. Keeping it 100%, some make it difficult. So glad to know I’m not alone.
Continue to inspire Doc. Clearly the time has arrived.
Take care
T Askey (Sunday, 21 July 2019 22:28)
I'm loving your blogs and this is my favorite so far. I loved your shoes they always put a smile on my face. My favorite are the Taxi heels. Love you and please keep being true to yourself.
Donyel Hill (Sunday, 21 July 2019 20:52)
I admire you being you. Keep being the beacon of lite for others to see!
LaShanda Owens (Sunday, 21 July 2019 20:06)
I would like to follow your blog.
Brenda Rivera (Sunday, 21 July 2019 19:42)
How can I give this 1 thumbs up?? I love this! Bring your beauty and authenticity to the world!
Linda Satterfield (Sunday, 21 July 2019 18:35)
Daring
Amazing
Refreshing
Incredible
Awesome
That's Daria
Bennie Joe & Karen Paige (Wednesday, 17 July 2019 22:33)
We are so very proud of you and all that you have accomplished. Many years ago we both knew that you were destined for greatness. Love you much�
Brenda Barros Rivera (Sunday, 14 July 2019 20:23)
Great insight and I love how you generously share about your own experience to illustrate your points. I’m so glad Lyric is excelling in a different environment!
I empathize as a Latina in higher ed, we are not widely represented either. Def something I have thought if as I apply for faculty positions.
Isiah Brown (Saturday, 13 July 2019 15:11)
You are truly an inspiration. I do hope more people take a the leap of faith to improve their quality of life experiences. Education and experience affords us lateral entry into other state economies, local and abroad. Seniority within companies works well too. Keep moving forward!
I am always touched by the message.
Paula Fuller (Wednesday, 10 July 2019 12:58)
I cannot truly express what it means to me to see your open, candid, and amazing embodiment of the human spirit. I hope that I can one day be in your presence to glean just a once of your confidence, fierceness, and wisdom. THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!!
J-Ram (Sunday, 07 July 2019 13:52)
Dr. Willis,
Really enjoy learning more about your journey. From saying "yes" to gotta move to find your new adventure, it is fun to read about the highs and lows that happen in everyone's life. For many of us POC we only see the final outcome, or learn about a person and read their accomplishments, and if we are lucky enough shake hands with them at a reception. But you sharing your thoughts, passions, regrets, and personal story really touched all if us at EvCC and those who have parted. Thank you!
I will add that Rihanna also sang the following lyrics "Took an oath that I'm a stick it out 'til the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella
You can stand under my umbrella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh". Thank you for sharing your umbrella, Ella, eh!
James
Lisa Jones (Tuesday, 25 June 2019 12:10)
Hello Daria -
I am so thrilled to come across this blog and learn more about you! I am excited for you to join EvCC as our new president! I work within Corporate & Workforce Training out at CCEC. Looking forward to connecting soon.
Bonita Vinson (Tuesday, 25 June 2019 08:40)
Ahhh. Money. Personal financial empowerment. One of my favorite topics. So much so I wrote a book about it.
I’m so glad to see you bring up a topic only few discuss. And to relate it to career transitions is even better. This is true across any industry.
Your points are spot on (except for credit cards... I don’t like them and haven’t used anything except debit cards since 2006).
The big one though, is save up (a lot) and be prepared to pay your own way just in case other options are not optimal.
Congratulations and blessings to you as you continue your journey! I’ll be following your blog.
Chayuda (Wednesday, 24 April 2019 16:25)
I just want you to know that your presence this week at the college has empowered me to do more. You are truly really amazing, real and cool leader. I wish you the best.
Ciera Graham (Monday, 22 April 2019 13:06)
Hi Daria,
I hope all is well. It was such a pleasure to meet you during the forum at EvCC this morning. I loved your calming spirit, and welcoming disposition. I know today will be a long day for you but I know you will do amazing. I think you would be a breath of fresh air at EvCC and I would love to see a black woman leading this college. Not sure if you remember me but I am Ciera Graham. The new Director for the EvCC East County campus in Monroe , WA. We only briefly shook hands but I just wanted to send a note and say I was very impressed. Feel free to keep in touch cagraham1986@gmail.com or cgraham@everettcc.edu
Good luck, and I wish you all the best.