If only all politics were as professional as they were in Melissa Orlie’s classroom.
No UI faculty member had a greater impact on Austin Hill’s undergrad experience than the now-associate professor emerita, who taught courses in political theory.
“She was the single-most insightful and inspiring professor I have ever had,” Hill sats. “Political discussion, which was germane to these classes, was often challenging but always respectful, and no other class expanded my world view more than hers did.”
A White Heath native and Central Illinois Business magazine Forty Under 40 selection, Hill stayed close to home after earning his bachelor’s degree in philosophy/political science from Illinois (2008) and JD from UIC five years later.
He spent nearly seven years practicing at Champaign’s Thomas Mamer, LLP, then three as assistant university counsel at his alma mater, before being named general counsel at Eastern Illinois University in 2023.
Said then-EIU President David Glassman: "His expertise in higher education is a great fit for EIU, and his familiarity with the region and the details of Illinois regulatory law will pay enormous dividends for EIU and our diverse EIU communities.”
