Alumni Spotlight – LeAnn Daugherty Creger, ’97
Written by Monica VanDerWeide, ’95
As a multisport high school athlete, LeAnn was recruited by several colleges. “Hillsdale was attractive because I could play volleyball at the Division II level, but more importantly, I could get an excellent education,” she says. She joined the team during a transitional time, as the volleyball program moved into NCAA Division II competition. As a senior, she played under first-year Head Coach Chris Gravel, marking the start of the program’s ascendancy in the conference. “I loved the friendships and the leadership opportunities I had as a team captain my junior and senior years,” LeAnn says. “It was hard work and there were challenges, but you learn to find the silver lining in hard times.”
Initially a chemistry major, LeAnn decided to pursue a business degree, choosing accounting because of the versatility of the major. She recalls the dedication of accounting professors Michael Shaub and Brad Lemler in preparing her not only to understand accounting concepts, but also in understanding “intangible” things, such as preparing for an interview.
LeAnn began her accounting career at Team Management, a comptroller training program within Serra Automotive in Grand Blanc, Michigan. After the birth of her son, Drew, in 2000, LeAnn left to stay home with him. Several years later, and after earning her CPA license, the draw of family led the Cregers back to LeAnn’s hometown of Hudson, Michigan, where her parents and in-laws still reside. She worked for an accountant in Hillsdale until 2011, when the controller position at Hillsdale College became available.
“I’m so thankful to work at the College,” LeAnn says. “I appreciate Hillsdale’s mission. I am challenged every day and work with great people.”
Several years ago, LeAnn returned to the volleyball court, this time as a coach. She coached Hillsdale Academy’s junior varsity team for a few years, and since 2019, has coached the Academy’s 8th grade team, which included her daughter, Elizabeth, this year. “Coaching is a way to give back to the sport that gave me so much,” LeAnn says. “Playing sports taught me how to handle adversity and success, and gave me leadership opportunities. The lessons I learned as an athlete have been invaluable to my career, and I want to pass on those lessons to today’s youth.”
Monica VanDerWeide is Director of Marketing Content for Hillsdale College. She graduated from Hillsdale in 1995 with a degree in English and German.
Published in January 2022