2026 Inductees
As Redbirds and former student leaders, our inductees share some common experiences, a passion for making a difference, and a commitment to excellence. They exemplify the values of the Division of Student Affairs and Illinois State University, not only in their professional careers and community involvement, but while they were Illinois State students. During their return to the Illinois State campus, each inductee is paired with a student host, which provides an opportunity to connect with current students and learn more about today's Redbird experience.
Rhona Israel
Rhona Israel is a 1983 graduate of Illinois State University, earning a degree in social work as a first-generation college student. While at Illinois State, she was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Theta Delta Chapter, and served as president of the Pan-Hellenic Council, demonstrating early leadership in student governance and campus engagement. Following graduation, Israel devoted more than 30 years to public education, serving Calumet Public School District 132 and Bloom Township High School District 206.
Her career included roles as a school social worker, division coordinator for special education and foreign languages, assistant principal overseeing activities, discipline, transportation, and later curriculum, instruction, and assessment; principal of Bloom High School; assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and grants; and ultimately assistant superintendent of Human Resources, retiring in 2019.
As a social worker, Israel was appointed to the Department of Aging and Disability and served on the National Coalition of Aging Task Force. In district leadership, she coordinated training and supervision for social work interns, led implementation of the Teacher Performance Evaluation Act, and co-founded the South Suburban Human Resource Personnel Network. She also facilitated the establishment of the Early College Initiative in partnership with Prairie State College under the direction of the superintendent, enabling students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree. Israel served as secretary of the Illinois State Black Colleagues Association (2018–2019) and president (2020–2021). During her presidency, BCA established three scholarships, achieved an endowment of the Eric D. Tapley, Brothers on Campus, Inc. Scholarship, and raised a record $32,000 during Homecoming. Her service to Illinois State includes participation on the Alumni Engagement Chicago Director Search Committee, the University Presidential Search Committee, and the Illinois State Pan Hellenic Plaza Committee.
Daniel W. Printz
Daniel Printz, a double-degree alum of Illinois State University who completed a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in sociology in 1986, has built a distinguished career grounded in leadership, service, and community engagement. During his time at Illinois State, he served as a resident assistant (1985–1986) and a graduate assistant in the residence halls (1986–1988), where he supported daily operations, advised resident assistants, and contributed to student development initiatives. He was a key member of housing staff teams that supported large-scale residence hall programming, including ISMs Week, a campus-wide diversity education initiative, and assisted with nationally recognized Programming Without Alcohol workshops coordinated through University Housing.
Following graduation, Printz devoted more than 30 years to public service. From 1989–1994, he worked for the City of Chicago Office of Budget and Management, conducting internal investigations related to staff improprieties. He then served as a Cook County juvenile probation officer (1994–1999), working directly with court-adjudicated youth. In 1999, he joined the Chicago Police Department after graduating from the Chicago Police Academy. He served as an officer in the 17th District (Albany Park) before promotion to sergeant in a tactical unit in the 15th District (Austin), addressing drug- and gang-related activity.
Throughout his law enforcement career, Printz has received more than 150 awards and commendations for service beyond the call of duty. He led a fundraising effort in 1997 that raised more than $24,000 to support an injured fellow officer and remains active in community service, including food pantry volunteering, youth coaching, and preschool education. His career reflects sustained leadership, accountability, and commitment to community service rooted in his Illinois State experience.
Julie Annette Jones
Julie Annette Jones is a 1990 graduate of Illinois State University, earning degrees in political science and psychology. As a student, she developed a strong foundation in governance and equity through internships with Professor George Gordon and Gloria Jeanne Davis in Affirmative Action. She also served as president of the Theta Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Since graduation, Jones has dedicated more than 30 years to leadership and public service. She served on the Illinois State University Board of Trustees beginning in 2017 and made history in 2019 as the first African American woman to chair the Board, providing strategic leadership focused on equity, accountability, and student success. She has also served on the Alumni Association Board (2012–2017), the Attorneys Advisory Board beginning in 2014, and the Illinois State Foundation Board of Directors (2019–2021).
Jones has been deeply engaged with the Illinois State Black Colleagues Association, serving as a leaders volunteer from 2001–2018, secretary (2005), president (2005–2008), Homecoming chair, and Scholarship Committee member. She launched the Theta Delta Commemorative Public Service Scholarship, the first NPHC-affiliated scholarship administered through BCA. Her service was recognized with the Alumni Day Honoree Award in 2018.
Beyond Illinois State, she served as president of the National Council of Negro Women Chicago Central Section (2016–2018) and as chair of the State Universities Civil Service Merit Board. Professionally, she has built a career in law and public service, specializing in estate planning, elder advocacy, and equitable employment practices.
Julie Annette Jones’ career embodies leadership, advocacy, and a dedication to uplifting students, colleagues, and the broader Redbird community.
Stacy Ramsey
Stacy Ramsey is a double-degree alum of Illinois State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in psychology in 1992 and a master’s degree in sociology in 1994. Her career at Illinois State began as a student in 1988 and has spanned more than three decades of continuous service to the University.
Ramsey’s Academic Affairs journey began in Campus Dining as a server. She was also a leader in HMSA and a resident assistant. Ramsey served as a graduate assistant in the Office of Residential Life, gaining foundational experience in housing operations, staff supervision, and student development. She began her full-time career at Illinois State as a hall coordinator and has since held leadership roles across Admissions, Enrollment Management, and the Office of the University Registrar, where she currently serves as university registrar.
While in Admissions, Ramsey held many positions in the department and was instrumental in developing the Student Ambassador Program, a key component of the University’s recruitment efforts. She also teaches IDS 128: Thriving in College, Career and Beyond, supporting student transition and success.
Ramsey’s service includes leadership in shared governance, serving as chair of the Illinois State Administrative/Professional Council (2010-13), and numerous committees including the Higher Learning Commission Reaccreditation, University Strategic Planning, Emergency Operations Center, and Commencement Executive Committee. She has served on the Alumni Association Board (2017-25) and has been active in IACAC, NACAC, IACRAO and AACRAO. Her contributions have been recognized with awards including Outstanding Resident Assistant, Janice A. Auguston Memorial, Administrative/Professional Distinguished Service and Esprit de Corps, Team Excellence, and Impact Award.
Her service includes extensive committee involvement, leadership in shared governance, and contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Her legacy reflects loyalty, mentorship, and a lifelong devotion to strengthening the Redbird community.