College of Lake County elects new Board of Trustee officers, identifies interim president
The College of Lake County Board of Trustees named new officers and identified an interim college president at its April 25 meeting in Grayslake.
Richard A. Anderson of Grayslake is the new board chair. New board member Catherine M. Finger, Ed.D. of Grayslake was elected vice chair after being sworn into office with new board member Matthew J. Stanton of Gurnee. Hansel Lopez of Waukegan was seated as the 2017-18 student trustee.
After closed session discussion, the board indicated that it would like CLC Provost Rich Haney, Ed.D., to accept the interim president position subject to contract negotiations and formal board approval at its May 23 meeting.
Anderson said, "I am honored to serve as board chair and look forward to having a smooth transition. Further, I can't think of anyone who has more experience than Dr. Haney, whose assistance will help the college stay consistent in our leadership and continue in our mission to best serve the residents of Lake County."
Haney has been with CLC for 18 years. He said, "I am excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to continuing to work closely with the board on a smooth transition of leadership." Haney said he does not intend to be a candidate for the presidency.
CLC President Jerry Weber, Ph.D., said, "I believe that Dr. Haney is an excellent choice for this position. His depth of experience at the college and his leadership have been demonstrated time and again." Weber had previously announced his resignation effective June 30 to start his new position, president of Bellevue College, WA.
The board gave direction for administration to launch a request for proposals for search firms that specialize in national presidential searches. Vice Chair Finger said, "I believe finding the next president of CLC is the most important work the board will be engaged in immediately, and we'll look forward to working with a partner to help us engage all of the CLC community stakeholders in this process."
Board election of officers combines the strengths of its veterans with that of new members.
Anderson studied at CLC, earned a bachelor's degree from Northeastern Illinois University and a juris doctor degree from Marquette University Law School. His law practice is in Grayslake. He has served on the CLC board for more than 40 years, and served as the chair in 2008-09, 2000-2001, 1996-97, 1990-91 and 1984-85.
Finger is superintendent of Grayslake Community High School District 127. She has a bachelor's degree in Spanish and French, a master's degree in Spanish literature and an Ed.D. in instructional leadership. She has participated in numerous community organizations throughout Lake County and at the state level.
Stanton studied at CLC, earned his bachelor's degree in 1990 and then pursued his law degree as a part-time evening student. He is an attorney and adjunct law professor. His civic involvement includes past executive board member of both the Chicago Media Watch and the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association. He is a volunteer in the mentoring program for children with special needs at Children's Memorial Hospital.
Student trustee Lopez plans to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering with a minor in business. He is heavily involved within the campus community including being a member of the Asian Student Alliance, Men of Vision, Latino Alliance and Phi Theta Kappa. He also served as Student Government Association senator and then president in 2016-2017.
In other Board of Trustee news:
Financial report
Ken Gotsch, vice president for administrative affairs, reported that revenues are slightly under budget because the college has not received its Spring Semester 2017 credit hour grant payment from the state. Expenses are lower than projected for Fiscal Year 2017. At the end of the third quarter, the college had received $63.7 million in revenues of $65.4 million expected and spent $64.4 million (compared to $76.9 million expected out of a total $102.5 million budget).
"In light of the state's continued budget impasse, CLC continues to monitor expenses closely by holding open vacant positions, reducing non-instructional expenses and identifying operational efficiencies," Gotsch explained.
The college has received $26.8 million in tuition and fees revenue, higher than the expected $26.7 million. In local tax revenue, the college has received 49.6 percent ($32.2 million) of the expected $65.9 million.
Contracts and grants
The trustees accepted a $165,000 competitive grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide funds for CLC's Small Business Development Center and International Trade Center, which assists existing businesses and entrepreneurs in business, marketing and financial planning. The grant covers the 2017 calendar year, and CLC will provide $124,000 in matching funds.
The board approved an extension to a lease agreement with the University Center of Lake County for temporary office space for the Workforce and Professional Development Institute. The office will return to the Grayslake Campus after construction projects are completed.
2017-18 board meeting schedule
The board approved meeting dates for the 2017-18 year, including regular meetings and committee of the whole meetings, which are held at 6 p.m. at the Grayslake Campus unless noted below. Regular board meetings will be held July 25, 2017 (subject to call), Lakeshore Campus; Aug. 22, 2017; Sept. 19, 2017; Oct. 24, 2017, Lakeshore Campus; Nov. 21, 2017; Dec. 19, 2017, 5 p.m.; Jan. 23, 2018; Feb. 27, 2018; March 27, 2018, Southlake Campus; April 24, 2018; May 22, 2018; June 26, 2018. Committee of the Whole meetings were approved for Nov. 7, 2017; Feb. 6, 2018; and April 10, 2018.