University Honors Program

After an incredible 40 years of service to the University Honors Program (UHP), Jill Talley will be retiring from the University of Dayton at the end of June. 

For over four decades, Jill has been the heart of the Honors program, offering her expertise, dedication, and unwavering support to generations of students. Jill brought a can-do spirit, an upbeat and friendly attitude, and a big smile to welcome everyone to the UHP. She would constantly go above and beyond to accommodate Honors students, faculty, and staff. She knows the students and cares deeply about each and every one of them. It is remarkable after four decades that she remembers so many of the thousands of Honors students who have come through the program. 

Reflecting on Jill’s connection to Honors students, former Honors Directors had lots to say: Dr. David Darrow said, “Jill made the Honors Program a place students could call their UD home for four decades. For staff and students, she also served as our institutional memory. We shall all miss her welcoming smile and common-sensical approach to life.” Dr. John McCombe remarks, “I would often ask Jill about an Honors alum who had recently made a gift to the University. Often this was a graduate from the 1980s or 90s, and Jill could not only tell me the student’s major, but often the person’s home town.”

When asked why she loved working with Jill, Honors director Dr. Laura Cotten Howell shares that “Jill is always on top of everything. She responds to requests quickly, she knows how to process orders, or if she doesn't know how, she knows who to call to find out! Jill makes sure our events run smoothly and she makes us look good without ever taking the credit.”

Jill will also be remembered by the countless hours she dedicated each year to put together an incredible Honors Art Exhibit; her personal touch will be sorely missed. 

As Jill embarks on the next chapter of her journey, her retirement will be filled with spending time with loved ones, travel, attending concerts, exercising, taking up some new hobbies like carpentry, and relearning some old hobbies like piano. When asked about her retirement, she shares that she plans to “live life like it’s golden”.

Her departure leaves a void that will be hard to fill, but Jill’s legacy will continue in the countless lives she has touched and the memories she leaves behind. As the University Honors Program says goodbye to a cherished colleague, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jill for her decades of service and commitment.

The University Honors Program will continue to honor Ms. Talley through the creation of a new award. The Jill Talley Award for Outstanding Contributions to the University Honors Program, is named for Ms. Jill Talley, the longest-serving staff member in the University Honors Program. This award recognizes a graduating senior in the University Honors Program who has shown extraordinary academic excellence; leadership in the University Honors Program, on campus, or in the community; and a commitment to nurturing the inclusive and welcoming community of the University Honors Program. 

To share a note of thanks for Jill Talley’s four decades in Honors send your messages to the Honors mailbox. You can also make a gift to the Honors Program in her honor.