Dr. Phyllis Hayes honored by Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza for Contributions to Chicago Communities
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On February 22nd, Dr. Phyllis Hayes, assistant vice chancellor for external engagement, was honored along with four others, by Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza as part of the state’s celebration of Black History Month. The event held at the State of Illinois building in Chicago was hosted by Comptroller Mendoza who cited their long personal relationship along with examples of the many ways in which Dr. Hayes has had an enormous impact on the communities she serves on behalf of UIC and UI Health.
Among her greatest accomplishments cited was her work to establish the CHANCE program at UIC. Founded over two decades ago, it has served as an academic support system for historically underrepresented students, providing tutoring and mentoring activities aimed at preparing them with the basic skills they need to succeed in college.
Also cited was Dr. Hayes’s history of community engagement with a focus on the recruitment and retention of students underrepresented in the health sciences. She regularly brings students from high schools to campus to expose them to the possibilities of college and a future in health care, most recently from Proviso East in Maywood.
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Comptroller Mendoza then presented Dr. Hayes with a citation from the State of Illinois and Dr. Hayes spoke briefly about her influences citing her uncle Charles Hayes who served in congress and before that as a labor leader. She then spoke about her own personal mission saying, “we do this work not to be honored but because it’s what needs to be done.”
There was a reception following the formal ceremony where Mendoza greeted all the attendees. Dr. Hayes’s recognition is testament to the tireless efforts she has made over the years to lift up communities while making a difference in the lives of the young people her work has benefited.