Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Jill C. Dustin

Founder of the Human Services Association — Her vision lives on through us.

🌟 Her Vision

Dr. Jill C. Dustin founded the Human Services Association (HSA) at Old Dominion University in 1998. She envisioned a student‑led organization dedicated to service, advocacy, and support. Her nonprofit work with individuals with mental and physical disabilities sparked her passion for fundraising and grant writing, and she carried that spirit of service into her teaching and leadership at ODU.

🎓Academic Contributions

• Human Services‑Board Certified Practitioner (HS‑BCP)

• Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision, University of Cincinnati

• Published research in career development, diversity, gender issues, and faculty/student development

• Presented at national and international conferences

• Associate Editor of the Journal of Human Services

• Served on professional boards

Honors:

• National Organization for Human Services Miriam Clubok Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service

• University Professor Award, ODU’s highest undergraduate teaching honor

💜Her Personality and Spirit

Jill was a vibrant person who always stood out in a crowd. She even appeared on Wheel of Fortune, reflecting her adventurous spirit. Known for her uncanny luck, she often won raffles — including one memorable time when colleague Ed Neukrug gave her his ticket, and her number was called.

She had a passion for helping people beyond advocacy; she truly “walked the walk” rather than just “talking the talk.” Jill was a delightful colleague, always offering help before being asked. She set high standards for her students and worked closely with them to achieve success.

She was also an amazing person who created many of the course policies that are still listed on every syllabus in the Human Services program today. Jill was well known for the Purple Passion Dinner, held every spring to honor graduating HSA members. She loved having fun and going to festivals, and she was extremely thoughtful — often creating little goody bags for faculty during holidays and volunteering for any task that needed to be done.

Her interests ranged widely, from antique shopping to roller derby, and her infectious laugh and humor brought joy to everyone around her. She genuinely cared about making the world a better place for everyone, and she was an inspiring example for us all.

🌹 Legacy and Remembrance

Jill was a remarkable person whose life and work left a lasting impact on ODU and the Human Services field. Cancer took her from us in January 2017, but her vision and spirit continue to live on through the Human Services Association and the countless students and colleagues she inspired.

We look forward to watching what Jill created grow, as her spirit continues to guide the work of the Human Services Association.

✍️ Contributors

This tribute was enriched by the heartfelt memories and reflections of Jill’s colleagues:

• Dr. Ed Neukrug, LPC, LP — Professor and University Professor

• Dr. Radha Horton‑Parker, Ph.D., NCC, NCSC

• Dr. Tim Grothaus (he/his), Ph.D

• Frank Scaringello — Senior Lecturer, Department of Counseling and Human Services

📌 Call to Action

• [Continue Jill’s Legacy — Join HSA]

• [Learn More About HSA Events and Resources]