William Hilliker, a Computer Information Systems professor, was given the Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award during the Honors Night ceremony Wednesday night.
"I’m kind of in shock. I didn’t expect to win, and it was an honor just to be nominated," he said after the ceremony.
Hilliker noted that there are many qualified people nominated for the award every year, adding that he doesn’t think anyone really expects to win.
Grace Yackee, MCCC Vice President of Instruction, presented the award and introduced Hilliker, as well as discussing some of his qualifications and accomplishments at MCCC.
Hilliker has been teaching at MCCC for seven years. During his time here, he has developed a business relationship with Eastern that allows students to easily transfer their credits in the CIS field.
Before coming to MCCC, he taught at Baker College for five years and at Wayne State University for two-and-a-half years.
Hilliker currently has master’s degrees in Management from Wayne State and Science from Detroit Mercy. He is also working on getting his doctorate from Eastern.
Over the seven years he has spent at MCCC, he has taught 15 different classes in the CIS field, as well as classes in other fields. He also started the Information Assurance and Safety program at MCCC.
Hilliker is an active member of the MCCC Faculty Council as well as the Faculty Association Executive Board.
During his free time, he is highly involved in the community, Yackee said.
Some of the volunteer events he spends time with are the Relay For Life, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, and the Cub Scouts.
Hilliker owns and operates his own business in Monroe.
During his free time, he likes to camp, fish and spend time with his family.
He is also a strong supporter of the Michigan Brewers Guild. The Guild works to ensure a market for Michigan Brewed Beers by having festivals and promoting awareness about Michigan Brewed products.
"I’d like to thank my family for allowing me to work all of these crazy hours," he said during the ceremony.
Hilliker also thanked his students, as well as the campus community for creating a home for the students, and for hopefully making their lives better.
He said that he always enjoys Honors Night at the College.
"It’s always nice to see the students recognized," he said.
