Augustana’s Dr. Wendy Hilton-Morrow selected to lead United Way Quad Cities

Dr. Wendy Hilton-Morrow, professor of communication studies and journalism and former provost of Augustana College, has been named the next president and CEO of United Way Quad Cities.

Dr. Hilton-Morrow’s appointment reflects the close relationship between Augustana and the Quad Cities, where faculty, staff, students and alumni contribute their expertise and leadership to organizations working on the region’s most important challenges. It also extends Augustana’s commitment to preparing leaders whose influence reaches across professions, institutions and communities.

Dr. Hilton-Morrow will begin her new role Sept. 14. She succeeds Rene Gellerman, who has led United Way Quad Cities since 2018.

“Wendy’s appointment is a point of pride for Augustana and a gain for the Quad Cities,” Augustana President Andrea Talentino said. “Her path from professor to provost to regional nonprofit leader reflects the kind of leadership a liberal arts education makes possible: the ability to work across disciplines, bring people together and turn ideas into meaningful action. Augustana’s mission calls us to prepare leaders for service in a diverse and changing world, and Wendy has lived that commitment throughout her career.”

An Augustana 1994 alumna with deep roots in the region, Dr. Hilton-Morrow worked as a journalist in the Quad Cities before joining Augustana’s faculty. A longtime professor of communication studies and journalism, Dr. Hilton-Morrow served as provost and vice president for academic affairs from 2019-2023 before returning to the classroom.

Her leadership at Augustana has included advancing strategic initiatives, strengthening community relationships and supporting programs that connect the college’s educational mission with regional needs. She played an important role in the development of the Augustana College Prison Education Program (APEP), which provides Augustana bachelor’s degrees to students at East Moline Correctional Center. She will continue teaching in the program this fall.

“Augustana has shaped how I understand leadership,” Dr. Hilton-Morrow said. “In the classroom and in administration, I have learned that lasting change begins with listening, grows through relationships and depends on people being willing to work across differences. I am deeply grateful to the faculty and staff who modeled that perspective for me when I was a student, and to the students and colleagues who have reinforced it over the last 25 years. I will carry those lessons with me into this next chapter of service to the Quad Cities.”

Dr. Hilton-Morrow is also a Certified Gallup CliftonStrengths Coach. Throughout her career, she has focused on developing people, strengthening organizations and helping individuals and communities recognize and build on their potential.

United Way Quad Cities selected Dr. Hilton-Morrow as part of a national search for a leader who could build on the organization's strong foundation while helping drive the innovation, collaboration, and long-term thinking needed to address the region's most pressing challenges.

"Wendy understands that meaningful community change requires both vision and execution," said Board Chair Bob Waterman. "She has spent her career helping people and organizations reach their potential, and she brings the strategic leadership, curiosity and collaborative spirit our Board was seeking. We weren't looking for someone simply to maintain what exists. We were looking for someone prepared to lead what comes next. We believe Wendy is that leader."

The organization works across education, financial security and health, bringing together schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, health care providers and public agencies to address regional challenges.

Dr. Hilton-Morrow’s appointment creates another important connection between Augustana and United Way Quad Cities, two institutions whose work depends on collaboration across education, business, government and the nonprofit sector. Through that shared commitment, Augustana will continue contributing people, ideas and partnerships that strengthen opportunity throughout the region.