Receptions set for new EICC leader

Sonya Williams officially began her duties this week as the eighth chancellor of Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC). 

On Monday, Aug. 8, she assumed leadership of the college district following the retirement of Don Doucette.

The college will be hosting welcome receptions at each campus to give Ms. Williams the opportunity to connect with faculty, staff, students and community members. Those receptions are set for:

  • Tuesday, Sept. 6, 4-6 p.m., Scott Community College, Student Life Center, 500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf.
  • Wednesday, Sept. 7, 4-6 p.m., Clinton Community College, CCC Library Hallway, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 13, 4-6 p.m., Muscatine Community College, Student Center, 152 Colorado St., Muscatine.

Ms. Williams was appointed chancellor in June after an extensive national search. Her responsibilities include overseeing the operations of the entire EICC District including Clinton, Muscatine and Scott community colleges. The colleges also deliver services through satellite sites in Maquoketa, Wilton and various locations in Davenport, as well as many area high schools.

“I couldn’t be more excited to begin my role as chancellor for Eastern Iowa Community Colleges,” she said. “Together, we are an engaging, inspiring, committed community and I am ready to work with faculty, staff and students to stand firm in this commitment. 

“Through strategic, future-focused planning, my vision is to build upon the college’s existing foundation to cultivate an encouraging, innovative and collaborative culture. My first task will be learning about our employees, students, campuses and communities in which we serve.”

Previously, Ms. Williams served as vice president of education and Chief Academic Officer at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois, where she oversaw all instructional operations. A native of Norman, Oklahoma, she graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where she earned a B.S. in zoology and a Ph.D. in anatomical sciences and cell biology/neurosciences. 

Following her service as a captain in the U.S Air Force, she completed three years of postdoctoral training at the Yale School of Medicine, where she studied neurobiology, reproduction and immunology. 

She has been married for 30 years and has two daughters, two sons, and three grandsons.

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