Roger Ramey: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: BartlettWebsite: www.FriendsofRogerRamey.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Elgin Community College School Board Age: 69Family: Wife Patricia. Daughter Shannon Arseneau. Son-in-law Doug Arseneau.Grandchildren Abbey and Miles Arseneau.Occupation: Retired ProfessorEducation: Bachelors with majors in Accounting and Finance from Houston Baptist University.Masters i Education from Roosevelt University.Masters in Accounting from Roosevelt University.Civic involvement: Elgin Community College Foundation Board MemberElected offices held: Elgin Community College Faculty Association TreasurerQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?ECC has a long history of commitment to student success and changing lives through learning. I have had the privilege of supporting students and the mission of ECC for the past 16 years. I would like to be actively involved in perpetuating that commitment. It's all about the students.In tough economic times, many students (and working professionals) turn to a community college for its educational value. How do you ensure that a person's financial sacrifice results in an educational benefit?Strategic partnerships with the community's business and industry will assure that ECC is meeting the needs of both students and the community. Robust advisory committees and post graduate surveys serve to inform the college's direction and educational benefit.From the college's point of view, what budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?I am not in favor of increasing the financial burden on the community or the students we serve. Budget cuts should be carefully evaluated to determine the impact on teaching, learning and long term investment of the college's commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, and a community of people who are committed to education. Additionally, we need to emphasize the needs of strategic partnerships.Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?The college has a history of taking steps to address the learning needs of diverse student populations. I acknowledge the progress the college has made, and stress the need for continued diligence to ensure student success. Recently, the college has dedicated resources to hire a part-time coordinator with the specific goal to support targeted populations. Early indicators suggest success and possible expansion to a full time position.If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for the community college board? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.I have had the privilege of serving on the Elgin Community College Foundation Board. It has been one of my greatest rewards to be involved in supporting the financial needs of ECC students. I have played a strong role in ensuring the foundation events are successful, including serving as co-chair and chair of the Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser. I also served as a leader on the campus wide Achieving the Dream initiative that has significantly impacted student success.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?As a trustee, I look forward to fostering opportunities for collaboration between students, employee groups, and the community we serve.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Mike Noland, former Illinois State SenatorWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?You're responsible for your own actions.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have entered higher education much earlier. Teaching is my passion.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I wasn't the best high school student. They were tumultuous times and circumstances led me to enlist the United States Marines.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Take responsibility for your actions.