Daria Willis

Dr. Daria J. Willis is the fifth president of Howard Community College. Prior to her appointment at Howard Community College, Dr. Willis was the president of Everett Community College, the provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Onondaga Community College. She held other leadership positions such as dean of academic studies, executive dean of centers/dean of instruction, and department chair, and Faculty Senate president.

She sits on the advisory board for the Phi Theta Kappa international college honor society and serves on the American Association of Community College’s Commission on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. Dr Willis is a 2021 Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow, dedicated to empowering children and families across the country.

My Truth

My father died of HIV in 1991 leaving my mother to raise two children alone. She was a single parent, without a formal education, but she sacrificed everything so that I could have access to the opportunities she was denied. It is because of her courage and perseverance that I exist, so I have dedicated my life to serving others, the same way my mother gave to me.