Linda Liddell: Candidate Profile

Back to McHenry Commmunity College School Board

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: Crystal LakeWebsite: www.mchenry.eduTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: McHenry Commmunity College School Board Age: 63Family: My three children are onto careers in the western United States. Brad and his wife Tiffany live in UT, Karissa lives in OR and Andrea lives in MT. They are my pride and joy!Occupation: Technology Sales ManagementEducation: Graduated from SDSU with BS degrees in education and chemistry.Civic involvement: Currently President of the IL Community College Trustee Association, vice-chair at McHenry County College, Board member and executive committee member of Hearthstone Senior Living Communities, Founding member of Fox Valley Sunset Rotary, Leadership Greater McHenry County member, Education to Empowerment Scholarship Foundation and actively attend church in the community.Elected offices held: Vice-chair MCCChair of Education and Development Committee, ICCTAVice President, ICCTAPresident, ICCTAQuestions 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?I am running for another term as McHenry County College trustee because I believe education continues to be the game changer in families' lives by providing hope and increased economic status. Community Colleges offer all family members and communities the opportunity to receive affordable quality degrees, career or technical training and continuing education within a few miles from home. I continue to be amazed and excited about what our local McHenry County College brings to the table for learners of all ages. I see the difference our college has made in the eyes of those I present diplomas and certificates to during graduation ceremonies. I hear about the difference our college has made with students, parents and employers while out and about in our community . This is what motivates me to run for re-election; the hopes for opportunity and economic growth through education for McHenry County families.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?MCC takes "student success" seriously. MCC faculty and administration work with students to identify the most direct paths possible to obtain a quality education. This education can be provided via a host of curriculum options from class-room, online or tailored to meet the specific needs of a student. Faculty and staff help students stay focused on their goals, eliminating additional costs.If the student's goal is becoming transfer -ready, MCC insures articulation agreements are in place with the college of choice. New articulation agreements are being developed and evaluated frequently. For those students becoming job-ready, MCC maintains a tight relationship with employer groups insuring the latest required skills are incorporated into all training/certifications. Students investing in their education at MCC will also find support to eliminate roadblocks that happen from time to time. Just recently Friends of MCC Foundation developed a scholarship to offset those unexpected life happenings that could keep a student from attending class. This scholarship helps with childcare, auto repair, transportation, etc.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?Fiduciary and governance responsibilities for our college to our stakeholders is the most important role of a trustee. Two issues impacting MCC are:1. Like other IL Community Colleges, MCC has been hit hard by the lack of state funding. 2. As employers continue to ramp up hiring with the strengthening economy, our enrollment tends to decrease.Currently, MCC is operating under a balanced budget. MCC executive management has been evaluating all aspects of the college to include delaying the introduction of new programs and not filling vacant positions. Additional cuts will be necessary to maintain the budget. I support the executive management team at MCC as they manage the constraints required to protect the quality of education with decreased revenues. For the past few years we have not taken the McHenry County tax levy increases. Although I would not like to see tax or fee increases, I believe education protects families and communities economically by increasing tax payers for our county while providing individuals and families with hope for careers and jobs with economic growth.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?MCC is committed to reaching all segments of the district. The college is tightly engaged with different organizations and partnerships that support our focus on learning. A couple of our strategic initiatives , such as ensuring high-quality services and learning opportunities through a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and accountability keep us always open for new opportunities. Many community colleges have had to reduce adult education programs and dual credit options at high schools due to the budget crunch. We have continued to offer these and other services and programs. Our veterans program provides a model for other community colleges. Outreach programs and hosting events such as People in Need keep MCC in the center hub of serving our citizens in McHenry County.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.During this 6-year term, I have been an involved trustee, spending time listening and asking questions of experts and constituents to be the best informed trustee possible. Leadership roles I have been honored to fill include:a. Serving 4th year as vice-chair for the MCC Boardb. Serving 4th year chairing Committee of the Whole monthly meeting for in-depth review of action items required for decision making by the boardc. chaired search committee for selection of new College President, working with college staff, faculty, community members and a Search firm over a 6 month processd. Serving on the Capital Campaign Committee for new MCC Liebman Science Center.e. Support and committed to Veteran's Services - obtaining expanded spaces on campusf. Served as voting delegate for MCC at ICCTA for 5 yearsg. At the ICCTA state level, I chaired the Education and Development Committee for 2 years, became vice president in 2015 and am now serving as President of the ICCTA through June 2016.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Candidate did not respond.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Bill Gates as CEO and now philanthropist. His views remain global in scope and humanitarian in nature.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Sharing was a requirement. Attitude in that sharing was a choice.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have modified my work life to spend more time with my children during their middle and high school years.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math was my favorite subject. I use it daily - from figuring tips to calculations home improvement costs to handling my finances.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Get to know the GOD that is steadfast and loving always.