Gillis has had several leadership roles at UNT such as director of the Student Alumni Association and senator for the Student Government Association. He also has been honored with the Golden Eagle Award at UNT. Active in the Denton community, he serves on the Denton Historic Landmark Commission and volunteers with the Denton Public Library. With a deep connection to UNT through his mother — who also attended UNT — he aims to enhance student awareness of the °ÄÃÅÎå·Ö²Ê and is committed to serving and representing his peers.