Mary Hettinger Millsap

Class of 1976

Mary Hettinger Millsap, Class of 1976, daughter of Mark and Eunice Hettinger of Philo, graduated with honors in Special Education from Illinois State University in 1980.  Ms. Hettinger received her both her Masters in Education Administration in 1986 and a Specialist Degree in Education Administration in 2000 from Eastern Illinois University.     Ms. Hettinger’s passion for education began as a special education teacher at Homer High School.  She pursued her teaching and administrative career in the Champaign Community Unit # 4 School District and served in the positions of teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, and principal.  Ms. Hettinger’s first principal’s position was at Sidney Grade School and Philo Grade School were she had attended kindergarten.  She later accepted a position at Unity Junior High School where she held the position of principal for five years before returning to Champaign Unit #4 were she served two years as principal at Jefferson Middle School.  In 1999 (?), Mary had the opportunity to “return home” when she was offered the position Unity Junior High School Principal and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction of Community School District #7.

Mary’s long range commitment to students and education are found in her professional affiliations which include the Illinois Principal Association, the Association for School and Curriculum Development, Association of Illinois Middle Schools, Nation Association of Secondary School Principals and the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children.  Ms. Hettinger’s awards are reflected in the accomplishments of the student’s lives she has touched in all five communities of CUSD #7.  Her goals are to constantly strive to implement methodologies and make decisions that improve student achievement and are in the best interest of children.  With a continuing career that already spans 25 years, Ms. Hettinger’s dedication for excellence in education will be a positive influence on the lives of students for many years to come.  The devotion to her work and commitment to service are not limited to the classroom as she has combined her personal experience with cancer and compassion for people to provide assistance and support for others who are diagnosed with cancer.  Mary has served as team captain for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life for two years.