By Andi Anderson
Durriyyah Kemp has been appointed as the interim associate dean and director of the University of Illinois Extension, stepping in on June 2 to lead during a leadership transition.
She follows outgoing director Shelly Nichols-Richardson, who has returned to her faculty role. A permanent director is expected to be named soon.
Kemp brings nearly 20 years of experience with Illinois Extension, having joined in 2006. Over the years, she has worked in youth development and social-emotional learning, steadily rising through leadership roles. Since 2022, she has served as associate director for region one, covering Cook County and other northern Illinois counties.
Kemp holds a doctorate in higher education and organizational change from Benedictine University. In her current position, she manages regional operations, supports staff and county directors, and oversees large-scale educational initiatives.
Her leadership extends to national platforms, where she contributes to both the National Urban Extension Leaders steering committee and the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy’s DEI action team.
Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Dean Germán Bollero expressed confidence in Kemp’s leadership.
He said, “Dr. Kemp’s dedication to the campus’ land-grant mission, her unwavering commitment to Extension staff statewide, and her ability to sustain partnerships all offer great value to Extension during this season of change.”
Kemp has received several awards recognizing her contributions, including the Excellence in Diversity Team Award, the Overall Excellence Award, and the Outstanding Innovative Programming Team Award for her work in social-emotional learning.
On her new role, Kemp shared, “I am honored to serve as the interim leader of Illinois Extension, supporting our dedicated staff and championing the vital outreach education we provide.”
With her strong background, Kemp is set to guide the organization forward, ensuring that communities across Illinois continue to benefit from Extension’s programs and impact.
Categories: Illinois, General