STCC honors math professor as Faculty of the Year

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College has named Dr. Vanessa Hill ‘01, a Professor of Mathematics, as 2025 Faculty of the Year.

The honor came via a phone call from Dr. Christopher Thuot, Vice President of Academic Affairs, in early May. “He said, ‘I have some good news for you,’ and I just thought, really? I won?” Hill recalled with a laugh.

But anyone who knows Professor Hill, a math educator since 2006 and a champion for STCC as an alumna, wouldn’t be surprised at all.

A passionate and empathetic teacher, Hill has dedicated her life to making mathematics, and college itself, more accessible and empowering, especially for students who may not see themselves reflected in STEM fields – science, technology, engineering and math.

"Dr. Hill is the embodiment of what we value most at STCC – excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to student success," Thuot said. "She daily demonstrates a steadfast focus on STCC’s equity mission and has led innovative efforts to build more accessible math pathways. Recognizing her as Faculty of the Year is one way we can honor her enormous impact."

After attending STCC, Hill earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mount Holyoke College, a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Connecticut, and a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from the University of Massachusetts.

Hill’s journey into math education began not in a classroom but during a challenging childhood.

“Math was an outlet for me,” she said. “I didn’t always have the best home life, but math was this place I could go where, if I worked hard, I could succeed. I loved that it was concrete. I could prove my answer. You might not like how I got there, but if it’s right, it’s right.”

She remembers the frustration of writing papers where teachers disagreed with her analysis. “With math, it wasn’t about interpretation. It was about logic. That always made sense to me.”

Hill didn’t take a traditional path to academia. She served in the Marine Corps, got married, raised two sons, and worked as a math tutor before deciding to return to college at age 30.

She enrolled at STCC, where a few faculty members, including math professors Donna Bedinelli and Lauren Brewer, changed her life.

I’m very honest that math can be hard, but hitting a roadblock doesn’t mean you stop. I make myself available however I can: in person, on Zoom, even Saturday mornings if that’s what they need. Dr. Vanessa Hill, STCC Faculty of the Year 2025

“They encouraged me to pursue teaching, and they stayed in touch as I went to Mount Holyoke for my bachelor’s and then UConn for graduate school,” Hill said.

“They told me, ‘Our students need you. Representation matters.’ They saw something in me before I saw it in myself,” Hill said.

Now a full-time professor, Hill said the STCC experience is genuinely transformative – for her, and for her students.

One of her signature contributions to the college was serving as the inaugural Foundation Innovation Fellow for the 2021-2022 academic year.  Her project focused on a comprehensive reform of developmental mathematics, an issue notorious for slowing down the progress of community college students, particularly those attending part-time.  Implementing a systematic approach with academic leadership that continues to earn her attention as Department Chair, Dr. Hill has intently focused on student persistence. 

“I’ve seen students come in lost, struggling and walk out confident, focused, empowered. It amazes me every time,” Hill said.

Hill remains committed to student success, especially for those intimidated by math or STEM.

“I’m very honest that math can be hard, but hitting a roadblock doesn’t mean you stop,” she said. “I make myself available however I can: in person, on Zoom, even Saturday mornings if that’s what they need.”

She refers students to STCC’s many support services, from the STEM Center to 24-hour online tutoring, and she shares her own story openly.

“I didn’t belong in college when I was 18. But I came back, and I eventually earned a Ph.D. Struggles don’t define you. They’re where your growth begins,” she said.

One student story stands out. A young man with a learning disability who started in pre-algebra was convinced he couldn’t succeed. Hill saw his potential and told him so. He ended up thriving, helping his peers and transferring to Westfield State University. He is now a practicing physician assistant.

“To go from thinking ‘I’m not smart’ to passing his boards on the first try? That’s incredible,” she said.

Hill’s commitment to equity in STEM goes beyond STCC. For 10 years, she ran a summer research program for low-income students and students of color, providing them early exposure to scientific research, a critical step in diversifying the field.

“In STEM, you often have to be picked by a faculty member to do research. That shuts out a lot of students,” she said. “These programs gave them a chance to see what they were capable of.”

Some students discovered a passion for research and went on to earn advanced degrees. Others realized science wasn’t for them, which Hill says is okay. “Better to find out now than 10 years into a career,” she said.

Several of her former mentees now work at top universities or run their own labs. “There’s so much brainpower out there we’re not tapping into. Every student deserves someone to invest in them,” she said.

Hill credits her time in the U.S. Marine Corps with helping shape her as a leader and educator.

“As a woman in the Marines, I had to work ten times harder to prove myself,” she said. “But I learned discipline, and I learned that I could do way more than I thought.”

That mindset still drives her today.

“When I walk into a classroom, I don’t prejudge anyone. I just think: given the right opportunity, let’s see how far you can go.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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