Marilyn D Willis

Marilyn Devoe Willis is an internationally-recognized and award-winning educator and community service leader. She dedicated her life to providing educational support and services to underprivileged communities, and her passion is helping to make a difference in the communities in which she lives and works. Dr. Willis spent 30+ years of service in teaching and administration with Augusta Technical College, in Augusta, Georgia. During her tenure there, she served in a variety of roles, including as a Business and Office Technology Instructor, Director of Adult Literacy and Director of Student Services and Continuing Education for the Waynesboro/Burke County Campus. In addition to her work at Augusta Tech, Dr. Willis also partnered with other area and online universities, including serving as the Area Chair for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Phoenix-Augusta Campus, teaching at University of Phoenix-Online, and Troy State University. Dr. Willis is an advocate of servant leadership and remains active in her local community today. Previous community service engagements included: American Red Cross Augusta Chapter (Governance Committee Chair, Executive Committee Secretary, Youth Volunteer Services Chairperson, Board Member); Communities In Schools (Board Chair and Board Member); Work Force Investment Act Youth Council and the Divas of Destiny of the CSRA (President). Beyond community outreach, she was active within her local church, serving in many roles, committees and activities. Accolades and awards throughout her career include: Teacher of the Year for University of Phoenix-Augusta Campus; The Bishop Gartland Award in recognition of distinguished service to the Church of the Diocese of Savannah; The Jack B. Patrick Award for outstanding service in the Augusta Chapter of the American Red Cross; Recognition for authoring a literacy grant for the Martinez-Evans Chapter of the Rotary Club International (setting a precedence in the State of Georgia for Rotary); and Awarded the Key to the City of Keysville for outstanding work with Mayor Emma Gresham in helping the city become a Certified Literate Community. Dr. Willis has a Specialist and Doctorate Degree in Education the University of Georgia. She earned a master’s degree in Business Education from South Carolina State University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Morris Brown College. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Willis is a mother of three, and grandmother of five. Dr. Willis retired in 2015 and relocated to the Greater Atlanta Metro Area. She enjoys spending her time with her grandchildren, working with her arts and crafts small business, traveling the world and learning Chicago-Style Stepping.