College of DuPage names Wendy McAmbridge as Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Assistant to the President

In her new role as Legislative Affairs and Special Assistant to the President at College of DuPage, Wendy McCambridge is focusing on developing outreach strategies related to legislative and regulatory matters for the Glen Ellyn college.

"I advise the President on a wide range of institutional matters and serve as regulator to resolve critical issues and opportunities at the college and throughout the community," she said.

McCambridge holds a bachelor's degree in social work from Marquette University and a master's degree in public policy from University of Chicago.

The Aurora resident developed an interest in helping people by making direct policy changes as a project coordinator for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, where she worked to improve statewide programming to children in foster care. She continued her work in public policy as the administrative adjudication manager for the City of Evanston overseeing the operations of a quasi-court system.

After years of working in public policy administration, McCambridge shifted to grant writing, working as the federal and state grants director for the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.

"When you are trying to chart your path, it's not always going to be linear," she said. "You have to be open to new opportunities and be accepting of wherever life will take you. Through my position at the ICJIA position, I was able to work with governmental agencies, educational institutions, non-profits and community organizations, where I saw the political process from the ground up."

For the last four years, McCambridge worked as the city clerk of Aurora.

"I enjoyed being able to see the whole legislative process from beginning to end," she said. "I also took on the role of administrator of the city's liquor licenses. I was usually the last person applicants would see before opening their restaurant, and I really enjoyed seeing new businesses come to fruition."

College of DuPage is a natural progression of her work, and McCambridge looks forward to bringing her diverse skillset to her position.

"With my background in social work, I've learned to be kind to everyone because along the way, everyone is going to be supporting you," she said. "The key is to treat everyone how you would like to be treated."

College of DuPage is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Serving approximately 25,000 students each term, College of DuPage is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois. The College grants seven associate degrees and offers more than 170 career and technical certificates in over 50 areas of study.