“The children that we support ARE our future leaders, educators, scholars, etc; and it is our responsibility to provide them with the resources needed to guide them to greater levels of understanding, respect, and justice as citizens of not only the United States but the world. Service on the CUSF Board aligns with my core day-to-day responsibilities, my personal goals, and my lifelong commitment to educating the next generation of leaders. A close colleague of mine constantly poses this question which is pinned on a board in my office. It sums up why I am interested in serving on this board: ‘What Have You Done Today to Help a Child Learn?’

EDUCATION MATTERS and It Changes Lives!”

James “Rod” Wyatt, serves as the Assistant Chancellor for PreK-12 Initiatives at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign responsible for initiating, coordinating, and advancing the work aligned with the university’s PreK-12 educational initiatives. “I have been blessed to serve over four decades in various roles at higher education institutions and volunteering to work with young men and women to enhance the quality of their lives through education.”

Passionate about creating truly inclusive communities, AJ Zwettler leads DSC’s Employment Services, guiding both the Connections and Community First programs in Champaign and Ford counties. With over six years at DSC—first as an Employment Specialist and now directing services—AJ builds personalized pathways for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He orchestrates community-based, interest-driven programs, including arts, recreation, and vocational training, actively embedding participants in real-world environments like local businesses, studios, and community events.

AJ also champions The Crow, a community arts venue showcasing artists with disabilities. His leadership has evolved DSC’s model to integrate vocational skill-building alongside creative expression, empowering participants to thrive as active contributors—whether making crafts, working shifts at Walgreens, or exhibiting at arts festivals.

Driven by a vision where individuals with disabilities are seen as valued community members—workers, artists, neighbors—AJ combines data-informed advocacy with heartfelt community engagement. Married to an art educator and coming from a family of artists, he brings both personal insight and professional dedication to his mission.

“As a mom of two kids in the Urbana School District, I have seen firsthand how community support and additional funding can create unique educational opportunities for our students. Supporting teachers and furthering their ability to be creative in their educational mission is something we can all get behind!”

Elisabeth Pollock currently serves as the Chief Public Defender for Champaign County, Illinois, a job she accepted in December of 2022 after eleven years working as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Central District of Illinois. She works with clients charged with a variety of offenses, from possession of controlled substances to first degree murder. Prior to joining the FPD, Lis worked for six years as a general practice attorney at Beckett & Webber, P.C., in Urbana, Illinois, handling a variety of cases in the areas of civil litigation and state and federal criminal defense.

Lis’s mission is, and has always been, to provide the highest quality of representation to every single client who enters her orbit. It is her belief that public defenders are the cornerstone of the criminal justice system, and no one’s rights are protected unless everyone’s rights are protected. Every single client is a whole person, a human being who is deserving of respect, empathy, and dedication. These principles are the foundation for the representation provided every day by the Champaign County Public Defender’s Office.

In her spare time, Lis serves on the Scholarship Foundation Board of the CU One to One Mentoring Program, the East Central Illinois Women’s Association Program Committee, the Champaign County Bar Association Board of Governors, the Board of Directors of the Illinois Public Defender Association, and coached her son’s 8^th grade track team.

Sonya Holley currently serves as the Executive Director for Human Resources for Student Affairs Administration at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Sonya holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Illinois.

“I am a product of the public education system and I believe we have an obligation to continually assess whether our system and resources have all learners, students, and families in the forefront of all decision making. I look forward to continuing my collaborations in the community and schools as a member of CUSF.”

“As a graduate of Champaign public schools and a parent of current students, I am passionate about our schools being a place of opportunity and growth for all learners. I’m excited to partner with teachers, families, administrators, and community members through the work of CUSF.”

A graduate of Champaign Central High School, Elizabeth serves as President of the Carle Foundation. Elizabeth’s nursing career includes experience in medical-surgical patient care, nursing education, quality, clinical outcomes, and nursing leadership positions. Elizabeth previously served as System Vice President of Quality for Carle. She completed her BSN at the University of Illinois-Chicago, MSN at Indiana Wesleyan, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

“Quality public education is core to the well-being of our community as a whole as well as the families and students who call Champaign-Urbana home. The work of CUSF in supporting our school districts dovetails with the mission of Parkland College to engage the community in learning. As a CUSF board member, I will support the work of our area schools in educating students, helping them realize their potential, and preparing them for college and careers.”

Pam Lau is currently the President at Parkland College. She has served at Parkland College since 1995 in various roles ranging from faculty to Vice President for Academic Services/Chief Academic Officer. She completed her B.A. at the University of Singapore, M.A. in Philosophy at the University of Chicago, and Ed.D in Community College Leadership at Ferris State University.

“As a current employee of Urbana School District #116, I have first hand witnessed the wonderful opportunities that CUSF brings to the hands of teachers and students. I am grateful to be part of the collaborative effort to bring equitable learning opportunities to all students in Champaign – Urbana”

Mitzy grew up attending Urbana schools and is currently an Social and Emotional Learning Specialist at Tiger Academy in Urbana. Mitzy has been in the education field for over ten years, both in and out of the classroom and in diverse settings ranging from private Montessori schools to itinerant Migrant Education Programs before finding her place in the public school system.

“As a former teacher and principal in the Unit #4 schools at Champaign Central H.S., South Side Elementary School, and Carrie Busey Elementary School, I was able to see firsthand the amazing work that CU Schools Foundation does in our schools.  I am thoroughly excited to support inspiring teachers and innovative instruction that motivates students to learn and grow.  Our teachers and students have experienced many challenges over the last few years and I am honored to help support them in any way that I can.”

After spending 23 years serving as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal in Unit #4 schools, I transitioned to a new career as the CEO of the Stephens Family YMCA in 2018.  Prior to my career in education, I spent 5 years working in sales and marketing.  I earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Millikin University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University.

“I am super excited to join the board of the CU Schools Foundation who in addition to several other initiatives, is working on a new Adopt-A-School program. Over the past several years, as a school volunteer, I have seen the direct impact of how a community can help to empower teachers and provide meaningful outreach opportunities for students..”

“I have been in public education for 25 years. I am an advocate for the public school system.  I believe that all students are entitled to quality education, and our school system is preparing students to reach their greatest potential.  CU Schools Foundation builds on the partnership that is needed to support our staff and students in our public school system.”

A graduate of Illinois State University, Ms. Smith began her career in District 116 and has served as a kindergarten teacher, principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and currently as Director of Professional Development. She earned her master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Illinois in 2005.  As Director of Professional Development Yavonnda mentors, supports, coaches and builds relationships and partnerships that support new hires and colleagues in District 116.  She recognizes that CUSF provides opportunities for district staff to enhance their instructional practices, and build student success.

“My wife and I are raising two amazing children here in CU and it’s important to us that we are a part of decisions that directly impact the development of their learning. CU Schools Foundation directly represents the mission within our household and I feel as though it’s a great opportunity to reflect that care to our community.”

DeShawn is the first black mayor of Urbana – elected in 2025 – and has worked in a variety of banking and investment positions since 2006 including most recently as Assistant Vice President at Busey Bank. In 2021 he was appointed to serve as the Chief Deputy Treasurer for Champaign County. DeShawn is the founder of BlackVest Money, a financial literacy and personal development small business, and Wolf’s Mane Beard Care. He has volunteered on numerous boards including Macon County CASA and 40 North, a local arts and culture non-profit.

Krissy is the current business manager for The United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local 97 and delegate to the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council. As someone who was born and raised in Champaign County, she supports CUSF because of their dedication to the teachers and students of this community. As someone who grew up in a neighborhood that did not have many opportunities, it warms her heart to be in a room full of people that recognize that and want to make a difference, and she is looking forward to contributing to that difference.

After 25 years as an art educator in Unit 4, Shannon’s commitment to arts education and to creating meaningful, enriching experiences for students remains central to her professional identity. In addition to her work in the classroom, she has served for many years as a volunteer grant scorer, which has given her a broad and thoughtful perspective on both the needs of educators and the strategic role CUSF plays in turning innovative ideas into reality. She is eager to help guide the foundation’s work in ways that continue to empower educators and inspire students across our community.

Terry Thies serves as the Associate Director for Family Engagement for New Student and Family Experiences at the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign. Terry brings over 20 years of higher education experience and has supported students and families throughout her career. In her current role, Terry is responsible for engaging Illinois families in their student’s academic journey at the University. Terry also brings experience in fundraising as the former chair of “Lawyers Feeding Illinois,” a statewide philanthropic campaign facilitated by the Illinois State Bar Association which raised funds to support the regional foodbanks in Illinois. Terry holds a bachelor’s degree from Millikin University and completed her master’s degree at the University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign.

Terry is committed to ensuring that all students have equitable opportunities to learn, grow, feel valued, and succeed. Supporting educators with the resources they need is essential to that mission, and the CU Schools Foundation plays a key role in bringing the community together to make that possible. Terry looks forward to contributing to the work of CUSF.

Having served as a special education teacher for thirty years and a principal for nine years, the success of students and teachers in our community is still very important to her. She hopes she can make a positive difference to area schools while serving on the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation Board!

“A public-school education helps us prepare students for the real world, for college, a career or a skill.  We provide students diverse opportunities to learn 21st Century skills in a multicultural environment. We are pleased to have a strong partnership supporting our teachers and students with CUSF.”

Superintendent Jennifer Ivory-Tatum began her career at Urbana School District #116 in 2005 as principal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, and then advanced to her position as Urbana School District #116’s Deputy Superintendent in 2013. In 2017, she transitioned into her role as Assistant Superintendent for Champaign Unit 4. After two years, Superintendent Ivory-Tatum returned to Urbana School District #116 to assume the role of the district’s Superintendent in May 2019. Superintendent Ivory-Tatum is continuing her transformative work with Urbana School District #116, including the 6th-12th grade restorative practice initiatives she first introduced to the district during her appointment as Deputy Superintendent.