TRIO/Student Support Services Staff
Jill Olson, Director
TRIO Student Support Services
jill.olson@src.edu
309-833-6029
Jill Olson is a native of Bushnell, Illinois. Jill received
her Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from Illinois State University
and her Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Southern
Illinois University-Carbondale. Jill has worked in positions with student
support services and student activities in the public university,
private-liberal arts college and community college settings.
In January 2013, Jill joined Spoon River College and the
TRIO team as the Director of TRIO Student Support Services. She believes that
the TRIO program offered on the Macomb campus is an extremely valuable program
that leads students towards degree completion and success. Jill’s favorite
aspects of working with students are helping them to attain their educational
goals and find their career path. Jill has a passion for education and believes
that higher education transforms lives. In her spare time, she enjoys
traveling, spending time with family and friends, her three pets and farm life.
Sarah Billeter, Project Advisor
TRIO Student Support Services
sarah.billeter@src.edu
309-833-6065
Sarah Billeter is a native of west central Illinois. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology from Western Illinois University. Since completing her degree, Sarah worked as an Expediter/Intake Counselor for the Mental Health Center here in Macomb, a Client Service Director for the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Peoria, IL, and a Counselor for chronic schizophrenics within Tazewell Mental Health Center. Upon the birth of her second child, Sarah became a stay-at-home mom for several years. Since then Sarah has worked on the family farm and worked as a substitute teacher. She entered the college arena as a part-time advisor with Carl Sandburg College, while continuing to operate the farm. Sarah has been with Spoon River College since August 2006 as the Student Support Coach in the Academic Support Center. In February, 2010, Sarah was promoted to the Project Advisor of the TRIO-SSS Program and is currently working on a Master’s degree in Education from Western Illinois University.
Sarah has spent her life helping others, including many students at Spoon River College, accomplish their goals. She not only inspires TRIO students to stay on track but gives them the tools to successfully complete their college education.
Jennifer Cunningham, Project Assistant
TRIO Student Support Services
jennifer.cunningham@src.edu
(309) 833-6030
Jennifer Cunningham is a central IL native. In 2001, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from MacMurray College. As an undergraduate, Jennifer had the pleasure of working with a variety of college students in the Admissions Office, Alumni and Development, and as a professor’s assistant in the Psychology Department.
In 2007, Jennifer moved to the Macomb area to continue her education. In 2009, she earned her master’s degree in Instructional Design and Technology from Western Illinois University. She enjoys graphic design and website development, and someday hopes to start a non-profit organization that offers free educational tools to K-12 schools.
Jennifer can relate to the struggles that many college students face. She had children while going to college, and understands how tough it can be raising a family on a limited budget. She respects the determination and sacrifice it takes to be successful in school, and keep up with life’s responsibilities.
In April 2011, Jennifer accepted the position as Student Support Services Project Assistant at Spoon River College. She enjoys meeting with the students and helping to provide them with the resources they need to succeed. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys playing with her kids, listening to music, traveling, and photography.
Stephanie Miller, Instructional Specialist-English
TRIO Student Support Services
stephanie.miller@src.edu
(309) 833-6030
Stephanie Miller is an original from the central Illinois area. She began her college career at Spoon River College in Canton and later transferred to Western Illinois University. There she earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2002 and is currently finishing her master’s degree in Sociology. In 2004, Stephanie returned to Spoon River College as an adjunct instructor and in April, 2011 she also assumed the position of English/Reading Instructional Specialist for the TRIO grant. Besides being dedicated to the students at SRC, Stephanie is active with her local Cub Scout pack and various other teams and groups that her children belong to. It is her belief that every individual can succeed with the proper support and encouragement, and she is committed to providing just that for the students here at SRC.
Maria Dofing, Instructional Specialist-Math
TRIO Student Support Services
maria.dofing@src.edu
(309) 833-6030
Maria Dofing was born and grew up in the Soviet Union. In December of 1991, the Soviet Union fell apart into several countries, and the place where she was born and grew up in is now in the country called Kazakhstan. In 1984, Maria earned her bachelor's degree in teaching foreign languages with a major in German and a minor in English from Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University in Russia.
Maria came to Macomb in May of 2000. In 2002, she earned her master's degree in Computer Science and in 2010 she earned her master's degree in Mathematics from Western Illinois University. In April of 2011, Maria accepted the position of Math Instructional Specialist for the TRIO grant with Student Support Services at Spoon River College.
Maria is very glad to have the opportunity to work as a member of the Spoon River College TRIO staff and is committed to helping students achieve their professional goals.
Robin Thorman, Instructional Specialist-Math
TRIO Student Support Services
robin.thorman@src.edu
(309) 833-6030
Robin Thorman is a central IL native. She earned her BA in Mathematics (secondary education) from Monmouth College and her master’s in education from Western Illinois University. Robin has 10 years experience in the public schools teaching junior high and high school math. She has been an adjunct instructor here at Spoon River College for the past four years teaching Developmental Math courses. As a member of the TRIO team, Robin is dedicated to helping students achieve academic success and understands that it takes hard work, determination, dedication and belief in yourself to reach your goals. She is excited to be working with the TRIO program to help students reach their goals.
TRIO Resource Room
TRIO/Student Support Services
Room 214
Spoon River College Macomb Campus
208 S. Johnson St.
Macomb, IL 61455
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Sarah Billeter's Desk
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Jennifer Cunningham's Desk |
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Student Study Area |
"Larry" the Tequila Plant |