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Meet Hillyer Alumna and Board of Visitors Chair Ebony Campbell

Ebony Wright-Campbell
Hillyer College alumna Ebony Campbell '04 is now Chair of Hillyer’s Board of Visitors working alongside Dean David Goldenberg. As the first person of color to lead the board Campbell says, “As a Hillyer alum, I'm happy that I get to serve. I truly believe in Hillyer, and when serving, I'm thinking about every type of student that's walking into that building and what will make their experience a great one." 

Now working as a social worker for a Brooklyn, New York, high school for New York City’s Department of Education, Campbell is also a part-time therapist. After attending UHart and earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology, Campbell pursued her master's at the Hunter School of Social Work, and then attended Capella University to earn her doctorate in social work.

“It's no secret how I feel about Hillyer,” says Campbell, who is a past recipient of Hillyer’s Young Alumna Award. “Hillyer really allowed me to fully delve into college academia with the support I believe ALL college freshmen need. There was no hand holding, but the faculty and staff made it very clear that they were there for me. If I needed help on an assignment or needed to discuss what I should do in regard to my major they were there.”

Campbell says that Hillyer College helped her succeed because it gave her the confidence she needed to pursue her dreams. "I think anyone going into their freshman year is a wee bit nervous,” she says. “I believe Hillyer eased those nerves by being a more supportive environment that I believe all colleges and universities should be. If it wasn't for that confidence boost, I'm not sure I would've gone to get my doctorate." 

Looking back at her time here, she recalls the influential mentors that aided her success. Her academic advisor for all four years was Professor of Sociology Woody Doane who helped her academically but also personally. "Professor Doane, as an advisor, was always willing to hear me out about classes, my dreams, my thoughts on race, and everything in between."  

Her advice to current and future Hillyer college students is to take the help that is offered and go to your advisors!

Trust the process! You may think Hillyer doesn't serve a purpose, trust me it does! You may think you don't need the support they are giving, but it makes the transition to college so much better. Utilize your advisors! They are there to make sure you get the most out of the academic experience, as well as wanting your whole well-being to be good.

Ebony Campbell '04, Hillyer College Board of Visitors Chair