Dr. Desiree McMillion has been selected as one of the winners of the Ebony Excellence Award at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).

The Ebony Excellence Award Ceremony is a night to celebrate our Black students, faculty and staff on another year of thriving at UIUC.

We are so excited to present Dr. Desirée McMillion with this award for all of her hard work this academic year and the impact she has on the university campus, our students and the black community as a whole.

Dr. McMillion received many nomination letters from various individuals to include students, colleagues and community leaders. When asked of Dr. McMillion qualities as it relates to this award, one nominator stated the following:   “I believe that Dr. McMillion deserves this award because in our three years of knowing each other she has been nothing short of a fantastic mentor to me. She has provided me a wealth of knowledge through her courses, sharing of life experiences, and extension of priceless opportunities. Dr. McMillion has not only shown up for me academically, but personally, spiritually, and emotionally—her mentorship is holistic, thorough, and inspiring.” 

Another nominator had this to say, “Dr. Desirée McMillion uplifts, empowers, and exemplifies the true definition of ebony excellence, community and friendship. I am blessed to have her as a mentor and as a friend.  She undeniably deserves this award and many other awards. I believe in giving people their flowers while living.  So here is to a brilliant Black woman, community member, friend and colleague so deserving of this award.”

The Ebony Excellence Award  took place on April 19, 2022.

"Dr. McMillion is truly deserving of this recognition and we are extremely pleased to share this win with her! Congratulations, Dr. McMillion.  Your students and the community love you."