Community input sought for Oakton presidential search

As Oakton Community College President Margaret B. Lee, Ph.D., prepares to retire next June, the college's board of trustees is seeking input from the community through stakeholder meetings and an online survey as it begins its search for a new president.

Stakeholder meetings are scheduled:

•Tuesday, Sept. 9: 3:30-5 p.m., Room 1608, Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road.

•Wednesday, Sept. 10: noon-1:30 p.m., Room P103, Skokie campus, 7701 N. Lincoln Ave.

•Wednesday, Sept. 10: 3:30-5 p.m., Room 1625, Des Plaines campus.

An online survey will be available through Friday, Sept. 12, at www.surveymonkey.com/s/OaktonPresidentialSearch.

Feedback will better help the trustees understand the perspectives of Oakton's diverse community. Characteristics identified through the meetings and survey will be incorporated in the professional and personal qualifications listed in the position profile. Trustees anticipate a final candidate will be chosen by the end of April 2015, with a start date of July 1.

Oakton's new president will take the helm of one of Illinois' most exceptional community colleges. Dedicated to lifelong learning, the college has been helping students achieve their academic, career, and personal enrichment goals since 1969. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, Oakton serves 450,000 residents in 16 municipalities. Also, the college offers 80 areas of study and more than 2,500 credit and noncredit courses each semester at its two campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie, in more than 240 off-site locations, and online.