Endorsements: Johnson, Knox for Harper College board

William Rainey Harper College in Palatine is a financially stable, educationally superior, responsive and smoothly run institution of higher learning for a reason. Its opportunities for Board of Trustee leadership routinely attract well-qualified candidates who love the college and appreciate its mission.

So, it’s no surprise that voters in Harper District 512 are confronted with a challenging decision among three candidates seeking two available positions on the board in the April 1 election. Consider the options:

Herb Johnson is an incumbent who has served on the Harper Board since 2017. A CPA with addition board experience on the Harper Educational Foundation and the Inverness Golf Club, Johnson speaks with admiration and pride about the opportunities Harper has afforded “students of all ages advancing their capabilities in providing for themselves and their families.” He is intimately familiar with the school’s finances and programs, passionate about the school’s future and has a creative vision for its future.

James Meyer is a retired executive in higher education, including experiences as chief information officer for the Illinois Institute of Technology and for the college-accrediting Higher Learning Commission. He takes a success-oriented, somewhat methodical approach to achieving the goals of the college, emphasizing the importance of financial aid, career-relevant programming, robust support services and transparency. He demonstrates a sincere belief in the college and dedication to helping it continue to thrive.

Eric W. Knox is a chief information security officer. He credits Harper with a “huge impact on my life and my family,” noting that inspiration from professors during his time as a Harper student inspired him to go on to the successes he has achieved in his career - and adding that his mother, wife and a son all have been Harper students as well. Not surprisingly considering that background, there is a special tone of passion and appreciation in Knox’s voice when he talks about the value of the school and the outlook for its future. And he backs up that passion with a well-informed, clear understanding of the school’s broad variety of programs and financial condition.

All three candidates would make excellent trustees on the Harper board. Our preferences lean toward the experience of Johnson and the infectious enthusiasm of Knox. They get our endorsement.