INA, Ill. (May 12, 2025) — Rend Lake College is proud to announce Professor, Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach Tim Wills as the 2025 Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year. This recognition celebrates Wills' 33 years of dedicated service to his students, athletes and colleagues, as well as his unwavering commitment to elevating RLC.
Wills, an RLC alum from the Class of 1984, returned to his roots in 1992 as a full-time faculty member. Over the years, he has not only shaped the minds of countless students through his courses, but he has also been active in fostering excellence both on and off the court. His dual role as an educator and basketball coach has left a profound impact on the college and the broader RLC community.
"Tim Wills demonstrates excellence in teaching through the dedication he shows to his students and the college," wrote Larry Manning, Chair of the RLC Board of Trustees, in his letter nominating Wills for the statewide faculty award through the Illinois Community College Trustees Association. "[He] has dedicated time and effort to everything he is involved in at the college. He has served on committees, worked with fundraising for gym renovations and athletes, coached the Warriors basketball team and has been a leader to others at RLC while carrying a full-time teaching load and serving as the Athletic Director."
Prior to his return to coaching this year, Wills led the program for 18 seasons. Returning to coaching the men's basketball team this past 2024-25 season — being around the players in particular — was very enjoyable, he said. The Warriors had a good season, finishing 18-15 (8-8 GRAC), and winning their regional semifinal over Danville Area. They hit an ill-timed shooting slump in the championship game against the Parkland Cobras, who shot just under 60% from the field AND three-point range.
“Mr. Wills is someone I have always had great respect for, especially given how effortlessly he balances his many responsibilities at Rend Lake College,” said Ramsey Haggard (Colcord, OK), freshman on the Lady Warriors basketball team and a student of Wills. “He is an outstanding teacher who truly cares for his students. Rend Lake is incredibly fortunate to have him as a coach, educator and administrator.”
Over the years, Wills has been recognized for his contributions to the RLC community, including the 1996 RLC Alumnus of the Year, 2019 Phi Theta Kappa Faculty Excellence Award, listed among RLC's 50 Influencers in 2017, and an induction into the RLC Sports Hall of Fame in 2017 as a member of the record-setting (25-7) 1983-84 men's basketball team.
The 2025 Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year award highlights not only Wills’ incredible 33-year tenure but also his profound impact on the RLC community and its students. Wills’ legacy is one of dedication, and RLC is better for having him as a coach, mentor and educator.
Please join us in celebrating this incredible achievement, and in congratulating Tim Wills on his recognition as the 2025 Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year.