By Lois Gray
William “Bill” Loyd, Jr. joined the UI REACH program as its new director August 13th, bringing more than 25 years of experience advocating for people with disabilities.
UI REACH, a transition certificate program for college students with disabilities, such as autism, intellectual disabilities, and learning disabilities, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Loyd comes to the College of Education from the Washington, D.C. area, where he most recently worked as an independent consultant to nonprofit organizations. He has also worked as a senior executive with two agencies supporting people with disabilities in The District of Columbia and Maryland, and as executive director of a community development corporation in South Carolina.
Loyd has a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of South Carolina and additional education in health services administration from St. Joseph’s College. He attended the Summer Leadership Institute in the Harvard Divinity School and the Kellogg Executive Education at Northwestern University in mergers and acquisitions. Loyd views the position of director of UI REACH as a great opportunity.
“Twice now, I have been fortunate to be a part of teams that were leaders in forging bright futures with disadvantaged persons by highlighting their abilities and dreams,” Loyd says. “And once again I am blessed with that opportunity. The UI REACH position provides the platform to continue the tremendous work already achieved by the talented team and write the next exciting chapter in its legacy.”
Dean Daniel Clay said he is thrilled that Loyd has joined the college to lead this nationally unique program that was among the first of its kind in the nation.
“His record of leadership and success in helping people with disabilities reach their full potential is quite remark- able so we are fortunate to have him joining our outstanding REACH staff in support of our mission,” Clay says. “He has experience successfully managing a budget of $25 plus million and a staff of 500-plus to achieve outstanding results. “
Read about Kerri Donovan, a Secondary Education student who worked for UI REACH.
Read more from the 2017-18 College of Education Annual Report.