Bill Text: VA HJR315 | 2022 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Sonja O. Stills.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 11-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-10 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ315ER) [HJR315 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-HJR315-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Sonja O. Stills, who has long served the interests of student-athletes in the Commonwealth, became Commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on January 1, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Sonja Stills' promotion makes her the first female commissioner in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) history, as well as the first female commissioner of a Division I conference among historically black colleges and universities; and
WHEREAS, Sonja Stills joined MEAC in October 2002 and over the past 19 years has risen through the ranks while demonstrating extraordinary professionalism and passion for her work; and
WHEREAS, throughout her tenure with MEAC, Sonja Stills has fostered the growth and development of countless student-athletes while helping the conference achieve its objectives; and
WHEREAS, in her former positions with MEAC, including Senior Associate Commissioner for administration and compliance, Sonja Stills was instrumental to securing corporate partnerships for the conference and improving the visibility of its brand; and
WHEREAS, in January 2021, Sonja Stills was elevated to the roles of Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer of MEAC, responsible for overseeing various aspects of the conference's operations, including hiring, strategic planning, branding, budget and finances, and more; and
WHEREAS, Sonja Stills continues to maintain her role as MEAC's Director of Esports, guiding this innovative addition to the conference's portfolio of programs and initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Sonja Stills maintains membership in several professional organizations to hone her leadership abilities and support the success of others, including the National Association for Athletics Compliance, Minority Opportunities Athletic Association, and Women Leaders in College Sports; and
WHEREAS, prior to joining MEAC, Sonja Stills acquired experience as Hampton University's coordinator of athletic academic support, while she graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services Counseling in 1993, from Hampton University with a Master's Degree in Counseling in 1996, and from the Sports Management Institute in 2002; and
WHEREAS, the exemplary commitment and inspired vision that Sonja Stills brings to her new position will undoubtedly burnish the love and respect the community has for MEAC and its traditions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Sonja O. Stills for being named the Commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Sonja O. Stills as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her contributions to the Commonwealth.
