Cornelia Wills is a motivational and inspirational speaker. She is the nationally and internationally recognized author of the popular book, Mama Said: A Word to the Wise is Sufficient.
She is a sought after public speaker, and delivered the keynote address where a few past prominent guests and speakers have been media mogul Oprah Winfrey; critically acclaimed author bell hooks; and Dr. Raymond Burse, president of Kentucky State University.
As a higher education administrator, educator, and author, she brings life to lessons learned, and addresses a wide variety of audiences including students, churches, civic groups, greek organizations, youth groups, and the community.
Using her success to help students increase retention and graduation rates, her passion is working with the college first year experience. As an authority in this field, she particularly enjoys speaking at freshmen orientation events such as university convocations to help students achieve a successful transition from high school to college.
Other Notable Highlights:
During her career, she served in several leadership roles at the national, regional and state level. Her exemplary work and commitment to both excellence and success are evidenced by the numerous awards received under her leadership.
She further shares her expertise by serving on national advisory boards for student retention, and continues to serve as consultant and peer reviewer in the area of student success for major publishing companies.
Among her many accolades, her most humbling honors are receiving the Mentor of the Year award and being cited as a person who makes a difference in the lives of students. She still revels in what she calls the highest honor she ever received—being awarded the Key to the City by the Mayor of Hopkinsville. Kentucky.
One of her proudest moments is becoming author of the book, Mama Said: A Word to the Wise is Sufficient. As a part of her passion to help students be successful, she donates proceeds from the sale of her book to scholarship funds, to help students stay in school.