Betty Kinser
Betty Kinser, a member of the Board of Trustees of Illinois State University, will retire from the Board when her term expires January 16, 2017.
“I have such a love of ISU, and it will always be in my heart,” said Kinser. “I’ll stay active in my support of the University—from attending plays and exhibits to cheering on our beloved Redbirds. In fact, students and faculty may see more of me than ever. Go you Redbirds!”
Kinser is the only member of the Board of Trustees who worked full time at Illinois State prior to joining the Board. She retired from the University in August 2005 as assistant to the director of the School of Art, and was appointed to the Board in 2006. A graduate of the University, Kinser served for many years as the alumni representative on the Board.
“Betty has been a devoted advocate for Illinois State,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Rocky Donahue. “In many ways, she has been the hopeful heart of the Board—even in tough times—and we will miss her caring presence.”
Governor Bruce Rauner will appoint a replacement for Kinser.
During her University career, Kinser served as an instructor and advisor. In 1999, she received the Herb Sanders Award for outstanding advising. She served on numerous University committees, including Educating Illinois and the Administrative Professional Council. She also sponsored and served as fiscal agent for several registered student organizations. Before coming to the Illinois State, she taught at the elementary, secondary, and community college levels.
Kinser earned her bachelor’s degree in art education in 1973 and her master’s degree in art education in 1975, both from Illinois State University. Her community involvement includes the League of Women Voters, Easter Seals, Midwest Food Bank, Illinois State women’s athletics, and McLean County’s Light the Night Walk.
“To call Trustee Kinser a beloved member of the Redbird family is too light a praise for her decades of work and dedication,” said University President Larry Dietz. “She knows this University inside and out, and we have been the better for it.”
Kinser’s last meeting on the Board will be Friday, January 13.
