College of Education recognizes alumnus on National Philanthropy Day

Helen Thacker Hill

The University of Kentucky College of Education recognized an alumnus for her distinguished support of the college last November 19th during the annual celebration of National Philanthropy Day sponsored by the Lexington chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort.

Helen Thacker Hill was recognized at the Philanthropy Day banquet for making significant contributions of time and resources to benefit the College of Education. Nineteen others were honored with Hill.

Besides her generous contributions to the College of Education, Hill was nominated for this honor because of her lifelong work as an advocate for students with disabilities and special needs. As director of student support services at Georgia College and State University, she is a strong supporter of students and a voice for their concerns. Her professional advocacy has been enhanced by her endowment gifts to the University of Kentucky’s Rehabilitation Counseling Program and the Department of Administration and Supervision.

Through the Martin-Thacker Scholarship Fund, for example, qualified individuals receive additional opportunities for financial support and enhanced training for the purpose of working with persons with disabilities in rural areas. Hill’s support significantly builds an important bridge between the University, Kentucky’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and rural citizens with special needs.

Hill’s interest in education extends to graduate student assistance with the establishment of the Wallace Charles Hill Fellowship in the Department of Administration and Supervision. In her field, Hill supports the teaching and research efforts of distinguished faculty members through the Wallace Charles Hill Professorship in Rehabilitation Counseling in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling.

Hill earned her doctorate in counseling and guidance from Oklahoma State University. Her previous positions include service as a clinical psychologist for Logan-Mingo Area Mental Health Inc. in Williamson, West Virginia.

An honored member of the College of Education’s Alumni Hall of Fame, Hill completed post-doctoral work in continuing education and higher education in addition to earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky College of Education.