The Board of Trustees at Heartland Community College has named an HCC alumnus to fill a recent vacancy.
Senesta “Angell” Howard of Bloomington was voted as a trustee at Tuesday night’s board meeting. She will be officially seated on Aug. 19.
Howard’s seat previously belonged to Cecelia Long, whose term was set to expire in 2029. Long had been on the board since 2021 and was reelected for a six-year term in 2023. She resigned in June with plans to pursue personal and professional opportunities outside the district.
Howard received an associate of science degree at Heartland before transferring to Illinois State University where she earned for her bachelor's of psychology and master's of social work. She is currently working toward a doctorate in higher education administration.
Currently, Howard serves as associate director of professional development and staff recognition at ISU. She’s also served on various ISU boards and committees — namely the ISU AI policy committee, the School of Social work advisory board and the Association of Black Employees Executive team.
In addition to her work in higher education, Howard is the founder of Necessary Change Consulting, LLC, which partners with organizations to improve strategic planning and vision, facilitator and committee development.
Howard's HCC board term expires in 2027. She will appear on the ballot during the consolidated elections on April 6, 2027.
