EIU Media Relations

EIU Foundation Names 2014 Outstanding Members

The Eastern Illinois University Foundation has recognized three individuals as outstanding members for 2014.  This award -- established in 2009 -- is presented to individuals who provide exemplary service to the Foundation.  The EIU Foundation provides support to EIU’s academic and athletic programs.

It is through the direct efforts of our members that the Foundation is able to fulfill its mission of support to the university.  Outstanding Foundation Member certificates are presented to individuals who demonstrate the ideals of membership in the Foundation through their volunteer service to the Foundation and to the university’s academic and athletic programs, providing the leadership, expertise and knowledge essential for the work of its advisory and governing boards, administrative councils and committees, and its executives-in-residence programs.

Recipients of this award have an established record of leadership and expertise, and provide knowledge essential for the work of the EIU Foundation.  This year’s honorees are Lillian R. Greathouse and Ronald M. Leathers, both of Charleston, and Ross A. McCullough Jr. of Alpharetta, Ga.

Lillian R. Greathouse

Lillian R. Greathouse, who has been a Foundation member since 2005, retired from Eastern in 2002 after serving 17 years in the School of Technology.  During her tenure, she served as a professor and department chair (nine years) in the former Business Education Department. She received the School of Technology Service Award in 2002 and the University Award of Excellence for Service in 2000.

Greathouse has served on numerous advisory boards at EIU, including the School of Continuing Education Development Advisory Board, and has provided extensive leadership.  She continues to serve on the Academy of Lifelong Learning Advisory Council.

She established the Lillian R. Greathouse Scholarship, which is awarded to students in career and technical education. In 2003, she won the Women of Achievement award from the Charleston Business and Professional Women. Her accomplishments include the Teacher of the Year Award from the North Central Business Education (2003) and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Service to EIBEA and Business Education (2002).

Ron M. Leathers

Ronald M. Leathers began his career as an English teacher at Robinson High School following his graduation from EIU with a bachelor’s degree in 1960 and from Indiana State University with his master’s degree in 1965.  He joined Eastern’s English Department as a faculty member in 1965.  From there, he moved up to director of EIU's pre-student teaching clinical experiences and, in 1980, took on the role of assistant dean for the College of Education and Professional Studies and, in 1984, as acting dean.

Leathers is an integral member of the College of Education and Professional Studies Philanthropy Board. He also is a member of the EIU Alumni Association Board of Directors, a member of the Lord Society, a former Sigma Pi and a member of the EIU Annuitants Association. He goes above and beyond to encourage others to participate in giving back to EIU. Whatever needs done, Leathers is the first to volunteer. He actively attends many events on campus and in the community, and thus has become known as the “ultimate PR man!”

Ross A. McCullough Jr.

Ross A. McCullough Jr. and his wife, Cindy, are generous supporters of Eastern Illinois University.  Their dedication and support for the School of Technology Future Fund has resulted in the naming of two spaces in Klehm Hall -- a classroom and a faculty office. The faculty office was named in honor of one of the McCulloughs’ favorite former instructors and his wife, the late Tom and Lou Ann Waskom.

A native of Windsor, Ill., McCullough earned his undergraduate degree in industrial technology from Eastern.  He is currently the vice president of marketing for UPS. In recognition of his work in the field of industrial technology, the National Association of Industrial Technology awarded him with the Outstanding Industrial Technologist Award in 2004.

He is a current member of the EIU Foundation and has maintained his membership in the EIU Alumni Association since 1998.  McCullough continues to support his alma mater with his time, having served for the past seven years as a member and former vice chairman of the School of Technology Advisory Board.  He has offered to provide the School of Technology strategic advice, and was awarded the School of Technology Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2014.