Harper trustees extend president’s contract

Citing the culture of collaboration, community and completion he’s created, Harper College officials have delivered a significant vote of confidence for their leader.

The Palatine school’s board of trustees Wednesday unanimously approved extending President Ken Ender’s contract through June 30, 2015.

“We feel that the president has far exceeded expectations and goals, and has clearly communicated a strategic vision centered around student success,” board Chairman Diane Hill said. “We’re committed to him to see that vision through.”

Ender’s base pay will remain $240,000, the same as when he took the post in July 2009 since he voluntarily froze his salary last year.

Effective July 1, Ender will receive the 3.5 percent raise being given to all administrators, ranking him the fifth-highest-paid community college president in Illinois.

The contract otherwise is essentially the same as the original three-year agreement, except for the potential to accumulate additional vacation days. The deal still calls for a $20,000 annual housing allowance and a $1,000 monthly vehicle allowance.

Ender has used his tenure thus far to focus on making Harper the model for 21st-century community colleges.

Officials say he’s completed a new 10-year college master plan and overseen a long-range strategic plan focused on increasing student completion and graduation rates. About 3,500 students, or 1,000 more than last year, will collect associate degrees or certificates at Sunday’s commencement.

Ender has deemed it necessary to better align Harper with its three feeder high school districts and helped launch a $250,000 pilot program aimed at leveraging joint resources to improve student success and reduce the number of first-year students taking remedial classes.

He’s also been a vocal advocate for a new funding model based on performance as opposed to enrollment.

Lighthearted, goodwill publicity has proved a priority for Ender, as well.

Notable events include the annual Twin Bowl, in which Harper’s football team squares off against Michigan’s Grand Rapids Community College, where Ender’s identical twin serves as president.

And just last month, Ender had a one-night stint as a waiter at Schaumburg’s Chicago Prime Steakhouse to raise money for a new Harper scholarship for culinary arts and hospitality students.

“From school districts and business leaders to the board and faculty, he truly has engaged the community,” Hill said.