Ellie Cusick - “Dr. McGill Advances from Plaid Skirts to PhD” [Reneé McGill

Dr. McGill Advances From Plaid Skirts to PhD

By J1 Reporter Ellie Cusick

Renee McGill once walked the halls of Marian as a student striving to accomplish her goals. After teaching at several different schools, raising her daughters, and earning her PhD, McGill returns to the Marian halls as a teacher. She now inspires and helps others to gain what she once learned as a student: how to be a confident, independent woman. McGill showcases the same characteristics displayed within her biggest inspiration, her own mother. Through her determination and selflessness, McGill inspires her students and her daughters daily. As a Marian student, McGill developed a strong determination that empowered her to accomplish goals she would set for herself in the future. Marian enriched her faith and aided her in establishing traits that would stick with her throughout her life. McGill grew grounded in her faith life. Marian gave McGill “the confidence that we are still leaving you girls.” The confidence she formed at Marian continues with her and becomes instilled in her students. After graduating from high school, McGill attended college at Northwestern University. Although it was a challenging school, she felt that she was properly prepared coming out of Marian. Since she went away from home for college, McGill had to adjust to the new environment she was exposed to. As she adjusted, she became comfortable at Northwestern and formed strong connections there. She created friendships that would last a lifetime and continues to stay in contact with. McGill also developed a bond with one of her professors, Professor Evans. He was her British Literature professor and he became an inspiration to McGill. Proffesor Evans helped her in all of her achievements by writing recommendations for her. Within college, McGill realized that if she puts her mind to something then she can accomplish it. After college, McGill taught at several different schools. Her first teaching job was in Crystal Lake, Illinois. She taught at Crystal Lake Central High school for seven years. McGill then moved back to Omaha and taught at Westside for a year. After teaching at Westside, she then started working on her PhD. While McGill was working on her PhD she could not teach full time. However, she remained teaching part time. She taught a class at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, a night time class at Creighton University, and Nebraska Methodist College.

While working on her PhD and teaching some classes, McGill was also raising her four daughters. Although McGill was working on her PhD, she always prioritized her family. Her daughter, sophmore Bridget McGill was in preschool while she was working on her PhD. Bridget admires her mother for balancing so much. As Bridget highlights how hard working her mom is and she says, “my mom is my biggest inspiration.” Getting her PhD was a goal McGill set for herself at the age of 22. She accomplished that goal 20 years later. Although McGill had a lot to balance, she was able to achieve her goal. McGill’s inspiration in life is her own mother. Her mother raised six kids while working as a medtech. McGill is inspired by her mother because of her ability to create a balance between family and work. “She just wore a lot of hats. I really admire the way she was able to balance so much.” McGill is inspired by her mom because it is difficult to create this balance. McGill was also able to create that balance for herself. She showcases the same qualities in which she admires deeply about her mother. McGill displays such selflessness through her constant support of her family. Bridget recalls her mother’s support when her and her siblings had multiple sports they needed rides to. Bridget’s father worked late downtown, therefore McGill would drive Bridget and her siblings to their sports. “At the end of the night after a day of teaching and then taking us to things, she probably could have driven to Kansas City in the time she spent in the car.” McGill prioritized her family over all else. Even while teaching, she made time to help her daughters whenever necessary. Accomplishing a PhD is truly inspiring, but McGill’s gratitude to those who supported her in gaining her PhD reveals how inspiring she is. McGill emphasizes the support she received from her family, predominantly her husband and mother. She highlights the consistent support she was given throughout her stages of education. While balancing teaching and getting her PhD, McGill credits her mother for helping her out with her daughters and always supporting her. She

also feels very appreciative of her husband’s support, “My husband’s always been super supportive every step of the way with my education and my professional life.” McGill also shows her gratitude for her students. When students give McGill a letter, she keeps them in a folder because she appreciates the letters greatly. “I do have this folder where I put thank you notes because I know they’re really precious and heartfelt. I don’t ever really take that for granted.” McGill’s passion for teaching is easily displayed through her folder of thank you notes. She ensures that everyone around her feels appreciated for the things people do for her. When McGill began teaching full time again, she taught at Millard North for five years and Creighton Prep for one year. After teaching at Millard North and Creighton Prep, McGill returned to Marian as a teacher. This is her third year teaching at Marian. McGill has been an inspiration to her students and her daughters. She continues to instill her values into those around her. Bridget emphasizes her mother’s impact on her saying, “She has shown me the importance of being a confident independent woman.” McGill encourages those around her through her confidence and kindness. McGill’s hard working attitude, selflessness, and gratitude are an inspiration to those around her.

Dr. McGill at the top of Quandary Peak in Colorado. Photo by Kate McGill