We remember Margaret Tillery as someone truly extraordinary—beautiful in spirit, kind in action, and fierce in her commitment to others. She carried intelligence and grace so naturally that you felt it the moment she entered a room, often paired with a sharp sense of humor and impeccable style that made people smile and pay attention before she even spoke.
Margaret dedicated her life’s work to supporting students in higher education, and that was more than a career—it was a calling. Her career at Allan Hancock College began in 1981 as an Instructional Assistant with the Learning Assistance Program (LAP), the same time when Michael McMahon was hired to establish a program for students with specific learning disabilities. Michael was so impressed with Margaret’s professional background and pleasant personality that he decided to hire her on the spot, just as he hired staff members at his previous college. However, as he escorted Margaret to Human Resources, he was called by Dr. Frances Conn, the Vice President for Instruction, who explained that there was a formal process at AHC for which Margaret had to apply and compete. Having done so, Dr. Conn and the hiring committee voted unanimously to offer her the position over many highly qualified applicants. Three years later, in 1984, Dr. Conn suggested that the Instructional Assistant position become a certificated Learning Disability Specialist one. As with her first interview, Margaret was overwhelmingly the committee’s first choice; immediately, the members were impressed by her dedication, intelligence and passion for education. What a great and impactful decision by Dr. Conn and Michael! They knew they hired an amazing Learning Disabilities Specialist who would positively impact the lives of students. Moreover, Margaret would come to improve and shape campus policies through shared governance: redefining the AHC hiring practices to become more inclusive, attracting more diversity as proposed by her sabbatical project; also, she chaired countless committees, contributed statewide through professional organizations and served as a commissioner of accreditation, quite an honor as a faculty member.
Margaret believed deeply in potential, especially when others struggled to see it in themselves. Countless students are walking forward with more confidence, more opportunity, and more hope because Margaret chose to show up for them, day after day, often long after the sun had gone down. A true night owl, she was always willing to give “just a little more time” if it meant helping someone find their way. Colleagues regularly received emails from Margaret throughout the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and she would freely say this was when was she completed her best work. She was also known to jokingly say, “morning people are so sanctimonious”.
She was funny without trying, fashionable without effort, and dedicated without condition. She was personal friends with managers at some of her favorite places to shop and they would hold items for Margaret that they thought she would like. Margaret had personal shoppers long before this was a thing!
Her fierceness wasn’t loud—it was steady, protective, and rooted in love. And her kindness wasn’t performative—it was lived, practiced, and felt.
Needless to say, Margaret was admired, respected and loved by all who knew her. Her example will continue to inspire us. Her absence has left a deep void in our lives; however, her benevolent spirit lives on.
Margaret Tillery In Memoriam 