Hillary Conner is an Associate Professor in the Exercise Science department at Wenatchee Valley College. Hillary teaches a variety of exercise science-based coursework which includes exercise physiology, sports nutrition, health and wellness, American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal trainer certification prep course, yoga, weight training, and fitness lab. In addition to her teaching duties, Hillary serves as faculty representative for Women’s volleyball, member of the curriculum and sustainability committees, a student academic advisor, and as a liaison for college in the high school.
She holds both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in exercise science and has been a certified personal trainer since 2004. She is a WVC alumna, Eastmont High School graduate, and a first-generation college student.
Before becoming faculty at WVC, she taught full time for over four years in the Exercise Science and Clinical Physiology baccalaureate programs. Prior to teaching at CWU, Hillary served as the Assistant Director of Student Programs and Recreation for WVC. In this role, she worked closely with the student senate and exercise science department to open and oversee the WVC Student Recreation Center during its first year of operation (2017-18 academic year).
Prior to earning her master’s degree, Hillary served as the Director of Health Enhancement at the Wenatchee Valley YMCA for 12 years overseeing and providing health and wellness services to the community including personal training, group exercise, and chronic disease prevention programs. While at the YMCA, she also served as a volunteer trainer to certify health and fitness professionals in group exercise and group cycling. Since 2011, under the mentorship of Dr. Tim Burnham, Hillary has been assisting with the Cancer Survivorship Rehabilitation Program as part of a collaborative partnership between Confluence Health, Ease Cancer Foundation, Wenatchee Valley YMCA, and Central Washington University. In this role, she helps cancer survivors regain physical and psychosocial health and improve overall quality of life post cancer treatment. Since returning to WVC, Hillary has continued this important work in the community.
Hillary’s professional goals are to continue expanding WVC outreach to establish more community partnerships in health and wellness to better serve both the student and community needs and provide high-quality courses that equip students with relevant skills necessary for careers or additional education in health and wellness.
