Decades of Service

12/11/2014 12:15 PM

By Lindsay Anderson

After 25 years of service to Bradley University and the Foster College of Business, marketing professor Donna Hill is retiring at the end of the fall semester.

“Donna has done more to shape the history, direction and strategy of the marketing department than anyone else,” former Dean of the Foster College of Business and marketing professor Robert Baer said. “In the 25 years she has been here, Donna has been a centerpiece and rock for our department and programs.”

Hill began her career at Bradley University in the fall of 1989 teaching both undergraduate and graduate marketing research and services marketing classes. Hill has also taught consumer behavior, direct marketing and various marketing promotions courses. In addition to teaching and research, Hill was the marketing department chair for nine years, serving 2000 to 2009. She was also very involved in the University Senate.

“Seeing what students are capable of in the marketing research classes was definitely a highlight for me,” Hill said. “Clients would report back to me that the students did as good of a job or better than what they’d pay for professionally. It was very interesting to watch the students’ contribution and engagement in the class.”

Hill has enjoyed getting to know her students through classes and learning about their job placements upon graduation.

Other memorable highlights for Hill include the MTG 315 study abroad course in London.

“In addition to regular coursework and exams, students are given great exposure to London culture, where they are able to learn and master marketing techniques,” Hill remarked. “Over the years, students have really enjoyed touring Hampton Court Palace. Churchill Museum and the Tower of London have also been great highlights.”

Hill will miss a variety of things upon retirement; however, she will miss student interaction the most.

“That will be hard to replace,” Hill said. “Seeing former students that stop by, the ongoing relationship with students that take multiple classes is not typical. I will miss that from semester to semester.”

However, Hill is looking forward to the flexibility that retirement will provide.

“They say the first year of retirement is a self-discovery period,” Hill continued. “I look forward to the flexibility, self-growth and the ability to explore new things. I also look forward to spending more time with my husband, Ronald, as he is retiring, too, and spending more time with my daughters and grandchildren.”

Marketing department chair Ed Bond also reflected on Hill’s career.

“Donna has made significant and continuous impact in her research discipline and in her classes,” Bond said. “Her presence and leadership within our department and in the college will be greatly missed.”

“I came to Bradley looking for a rewarding balance in my career, and I definitely had that,” Hill said. “My service was meaningful, I’ve had a fair number of publications and citations, and more high points that I can count.”