University News

Betts, Hensley Selected for 2024 Alumni Achievement Award

December 11, 2024

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MACOMB, IL - - Two Western Illinois University alumni have been selected to receive the 2024 WIU Alumni Achievement Award. The recipients will be honored at the Saturday, Dec. 14 Commencement exercises.

This year's Alumni Achievement honorees are professional actor and Broadway star Melody A. Betts and Retired Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer for NTN-Bower Steven D. Hensley.

Western's Alumni Achievement Award is given in recognition of outstanding contributions in one or more of the following: exceptional accomplishment in one's chosen field of endeavor; exceptional service in community affairs at the local, state or national levels; or exceptional service in support of the advancement and continued excellence of WIU.

Melody A. Betts

Betts, a 2009 Master of Fine Arts in Theatre graduate, recently wrapped up her run as Aunt Em/Evilene in the 2024 Broadway revival of "The Wiz." Betts played the two roles when the production launched its pre-Broadway tour in the fall of 2023 through the end of the Broadway run in August 2024.

In May, Betts was recognized with two Helen Hayes Awards, the theatre award program for the Washington, D.C. region. She earned Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Musical for her role in the Olney Theatre Center's production of "FELA!" and Outstanding Performer in a Visiting Production for the Pre-Broadway tour of "The Wiz." In August 2024, Betts was honored with a Black Excellence Award from the WIU Black Alumni Council.

Betts has previously served on the WIU Alumni Council and is the founder and former president of the Dumela Alumni Council, which aims to bridge gaps in inclusivity, creating safe spaces for students of color in WIU's Department of Theatre and Dance. In 2020, Betts hosted two question-and-answer sessions with WIU Theatre and Dance students, setting aside time to meet with and provide support specifically for the students of color in the department. In the Spring 2022 semester, Betts returned as an artist in residence and directed WIU's production of "Welcome to Matteson."

Beyond "The Wiz," Betts has many credits to her name, including the Broadway and national tour productions of "Waitress," the national tour of "The Sound of Music," and the original off-Broadway cast of "Invisible Thread." She can be seen playing the role of April in the 2024 film "Screams from the Tower." On television, Betts has appeared on "Arrested Development," "The Chicago Code," "Chicago P.D.," "Jesus Christ Superstar: Live in Concert" with John Legend and Sara Bareilles, "Power," "South Side," "Chicago Fire," and "I Can See Your Voice." Additionally, Betts has numerous regional theatre credits.

Steven D. Hensley

Hensley, a 1983 Accountancy and 1990 master of Business Administration graduate, started his career at Federal-Mogul, now known as NTN-Bower, in Macomb in 1984 as an accountant.

In 1998, Hensley left NTN-Bower and spent a decade as an Edward Jones financial advisor. He returned to NTN-Bower in 2009 as the corporate controller until he was promoted to vice president of Administration and Secretary of the Board of Directors for NTN-Bower. In 2023 he was promoted to vice president, chief financial officer and chief administration officer, the position he held until his retirement in October 2024.

Hensley has been the driving force behind major initiatives at NTN-Bower. Under his leadership, the facility implemented 12 separate initiatives in 2016, making significant efforts to reduce energy and water consumption. For these efforts, NTN-Bower was awarded a 2017 Illinois Sustainability Award by the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center. Hensley also regularly recruited WIU students to work as interns and WIU graduates for full-time positions at NTN-Bower.

Hensley is a familiar face in the Macomb area, volunteering for numerous community causes. He is also deeply involved with WIU, starting with his days as a resident assistant. He has given his time to serve on the WIU Athletics Leatherneck Club Advisory Board. Hensley can frequently be found at WIU Athletics events, Performing Arts Society activities, Alumni Association programs and other WIU events. Football fans are sure to recognize Hensley at tailgates, as he is a co-owner of the famous "fanbulance" refurbished ambulance that can be seen on Saturdays in Q-Lot.

Through his philanthropy, Hensley has earned recognition in the WIU Foundation Fellows, which recognizes donors who support WIU in significant ways. His giving priorities include Athletics, the Rocky on Parade project, the Student Emergency Fund, the Performing Arts Society, the College of Business & Technology and the Accountancy program. Hensley's two children are also WIU graduates.

The WIU Alumni Achievement Award was established in 1971. To view a complete list of recipients, visit https://www.wiu.edu/alumni/recognition/past_achievement.php

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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