The Division of Student Affairs recognized the 2023 Steve and Sandi Adams Legacy Hall of Fame inductees. The Legacy Hall of Fame began in 2014 as a way to recognize alumni who served as student leaders or student employees in the Division of Student Affairs. Recipients are recognized for their contributions while on campus and their post-graduation commitment to one or more of the following:
- Contributing new knowledge through research, scholarship, and creative pursuits.
- Providing enduring dedication to individualized attention.
- Promoting teamwork, respect for differences, and goals that celebrate diversity.
- Enhancing the quality of life for communities through collaborative and individual action.
Here are the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees:
Dr. Thomas Bowling ’70
Dr. Thomas Bowling retired as the vice president for Student Affairs at Frostburg State University (FSU) after 43 years of service. He was lauded with two significant awards to round out a distinguished career. At the University’s 154th commencement ceremony, FSU President Ronald Nowaczyk surprised Bowling with the University Medallion, FSU’s highest honor. The medallion recognizes an outstanding individual who holds the highest standards and serves as a role model for students and all of humanity. Bowling was also honored with the first-ever Lifetime Leadership Award, recognizing an individual who has made significant and tangible leadership contributions to the FSU campus community over a lifetime of service.
Bowling started at Frostburg in 1976 as the assistant to the vice president for Student Affairs, later becoming associate vice president. He served as vice president from 2006-2019, and as Interim President in 2015-2016.
Bowling was the student body president and a Bone Scholar while at Illinois State. He was also a member of the University Union Board and served as a Preview Guide.
Bowling earned his doctorate in higher education administration from Florida State University, his master’s degree in educational sociology from Wayne State University while serving with the U.S. Army in Germany, and his bachelor’s degree in arts and sciences from Illinois State University.
Janice (Jan) Meadows ’75, M.S.E. ’92
Jan Meadows recently received the 2022 Illinois Prairie Community Foundation Philanthropist of the Year-Bloomington-Normal award for her extensive service to her community. Meadows was on the founding committee establishing Promise Councils in several of the McLean County Unit 5 and Bloomington 87 schools.
Meadows served as secretary for many years and is the chair of three Promise Councils. She founded and created the WOW (Women of Wisdom) program for elementary-aged girls. She is the chair of the Back 2 School Alliance, which serves both public school districts in Bloomington-Normal by supplying the needs of over 4,000 students with items like backpacks and school supplies. Meadows is also a part of the philanthropic group called “100 Women for Good B/N.”
In addition to Meadows’ community involvement, she worked in the Unit 5 for 35 years as a behavior specialist and first grade teacher. Meadows was an officer in the Unit 5 Education Association (UFEA) and fought for better working conditions and salary, among other things. Meadows also taught at Illinois State in the College of Education and mentored student teachers, students in the Professional Development School (PDS), and Honors students through the faculty honors program.
Meadows worked in the cafeteria at Watterson Towers as a student for three years. She also worked at the Milner Library in the professional copy room. Meadows tutored special needs students and served as a reading tutor off campus at a reading clinic run for two years. She was also an “ambassador” for new students during Move-In week in the residence halls.
Meadows graduated from Illinois State in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in special education and later returned to Illinois State, receiving her master’s degree in special education.
Latoria (Tori) Farmer ’91, M.S. ’93, M.S.E. ’97
Tori Farmer is the executive director, inclusion and diversity for KPMG LLP. She has over 20 years of HR experience leading enterprise strategies to attract, retain, and develop underrepresented talent and consulting with business leaders and other key stakeholders to identify and address unique workforce opportunities. Farmer works closely with human resources business advisors, talent acquisition, and leadership development to support talent management initiatives directly impacting underrepresented groups. Her work includes establishing firmwide goals and accountability metrics and using root causes and data analysis to refine strategies that support business priorities.
Farmer was an active member of campus life as a student. She was a part of the Interdenominational Youth Choir and served as a Student Government Association senator. Farmer was also a resident assistant, a Summer Pro Staff team member, and a graduate assistant for University Housing Services.
Farmer graduated from Illinois State in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. She then received two master’s degrees from Illinois State, in communication and college student personnel administration.
MarcQus Wright ’02, M.S. ’04
MarcQus Wright has been baking Daddy’s Dough cookies in Grand Rapids, Michigan, since 2015, but his story started much earlier. He recalls, as a child, watching his dad cook and spending time baking sweet potato pies, cakes, and other treats with his grandmother Betty Jean. Betty Jean taught him that time is a key ingredient in baking, and her wisdom is present with him in the kitchen even today.
Before his time with Daddy’s Dough cookies, Wright had a 13-year career at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. While there, Wright worked in the office of Housing and Residential Life and TRiO Student Support Services. Early in his career, he received the Outstanding New Professional for the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers for 2007. In 2011, Wright received the AP Commitment to Diversity Award at Grand Valley State University. He was awarded the 2014 Outstanding Service and Commitment to the Multicultural Cohort Programs at Grand Valley State University.
While attending Illinois State, Wright was a participant and cluster facilitator for the LeaderShape program. He also worked for the Bone Student Center and University Housing Services as a student manager and resident assistant. He was active with TRIO Advising and Support Services and was involved with student government. Wright also served as president of the Association of Residence Halls and was a member of numerous student organizations.
Wright earned two degrees from Illinois State University, a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2002 and a master’s degree in training and development in 2004.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with the ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. in the Old Main Room of the Bone Student Center. A reception will follow the ceremony.
For more information or if you need an accommodation to fully participate in this event, please contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at (309) 438-1748.
