Lake Michigan College Awards Professor Emeritus status to Jill Claeys after distinguished 45-year c

 
BENTON HARBOR, MICH. – During its August meeting, the Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees approved conferring Professor Emeritus status to Jill Claeys in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the College, its students, and the broader educational community.
 
Claeys began her professional career with LMC in 1978. She was hired as coach of the women’s basketball team, intramural sports director, and physical education instructor. Over the following 45 years, she moved on to increasingly influential roles including program coordinator, department chair, and dean. During that time, she was instrumental in developing the Physical Education program and advancing the Arts and Sciences division.
 
Before headlines about health and wellness were popular, Claeys created a course entitled “Healthy Living.” It became a graduation requirement for all majors at LMC, putting students on a lifelong path to better health. She was also a driving force behind the creation of a Wellness Center at LMC.
 
Thousands of students have benefited from Claeys’ commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment. She led development of multimedia teaching and learning systems as coordinator of a $1.7 million Title III grant awarded to the College in 2000. This program transformed all facets of course delivery at LMC and was the foundation for continued advancements in instructional technology on campus. She also served as co-chair of the College’s strategic planning committee and was president of the Faculty Senate.
 
"Jill’s unwavering dedication to excellence in education has made a profound impact on our community. Her ability to inspire students and peers alike stands as a defining hallmark of her remarkable career,” stated LMC Provost and Vice President of Academics Dr. Kenneth Flowers. “We are thrilled to bestow upon her the title of Professor Emeritus, acknowledging her decades of service and her indelible contributions to Lake Michigan College." 
 
During her tenure at LMC, Claeys was recognized for her leadership, educational innovation, and impact on student outcomes. The three-time National Institute for Staff and Organization Development Excellence Award recipient was named LMC Faculty of the Year in 1997 and received the dual honor of LMC Administrator of the Year and LMC Employee of the Year in 2006.
 
As a multi-sport athlete and coach, Claeys influenced the growth of the College’s intercollegiate athletics program, making her an important part of this year’s 50^th anniversary celebration of women's athletics at LMC. She was inducted into the LMC Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001 for her role as a two-year standout athlete in volleyball, basketball, and softball, as well as for nine seasons as head coach of the women’s basketball squad and seven years as an assistant softball coach.
 
As Professor Emeritus, Claeys will continue to be an integral part of the LMC community, enjoying privileges that include participation in academic processions, access to College resources, and involvement in special College events. 
 
"Jill’s legacy is a testament to the high standards of excellence we strive to uphold at Lake Michigan College,” Flowers added. “We are grateful for her years of dedication and are honored to continue our association with her in this new capacity." 
 
Claeys retired from full-time instruction and administrative work at LMC in 2015. She continued as a part-time instructor until 2023.