The Theological University of America
Norma Hill
PERSON OF THE MONTH
DR. NORMA HILL


Educator
Administration

After a 32-year career in education as a teacher, counselor, principal and director, I decided to pursue another degree. So at age 74, I enrolled in Theological University of America. Three years later, I had another framed degree to add to the wall.


I grew up in a farming community in Southwestern Oklahoma where few high school graduates had the opportunity to attend college. I was very fortunate to get to go to Abilene Christian College. In 1954 I completed my work for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and started teaching first grade in Fort Worth, Texas. While working a summer job in a furniture store, I met Jim Hill who had just returned from the Korean War. We married and moved to Plano, Texas where he worked at Texas Instruments and I was an educator in the Plano Schools. We had two daughters and a son and now there are nine grandchildren.


In 1972, I completed a Master of Education in Counseling at North Texas State University. Along the way, I gather certifications in mid-management, supervision, and special education.


We worshipped at the Pitman Creek and Plano East Churches of Christ where I wrote curriculum and taught children’s and ladies’ classes. In 2001 I became a widow and decided that it was time to expand my education. I attended a Theological University of America graduation where I met Dr. Jim Benton and that was just what I needed. I enrolled as a very unsure student; it had been a long time since I was a student. For the next three years, I studied with Dr. Benton who gave me the confidence that I could do the work despite my age. I took two trips to Israel and one to Egypt during my studies. The on-line program and the one-on-one classes by phone were perfect for me. I completed a Doctor of Ministry in Religious Education in 2010.