Ellen Roberts named vice president for administrative affairs at College of DuPage
Ellen Roberts, an administrative management executive with extensive experience in the corporate and higher education arenas, is the new vice president for administrative affairs at College of DuPage.
“I am excited to continue in my commitment to support student success and lead such an outstanding operations team within the Business Services, Facilities, Finance, Risk Management, IT Services and Police departments, in addition to WDCB Radio,” she said. “As we leverage the college's strong financial foundation, I look forward to building upon the institution's recent accomplishments.”
Armed with nearly 40 years of senior leadership, sales and operations management expertise, Roberts enjoyed a successful career at 3M where she held a variety of top-level positions.
During her 28-year career, she was directly responsible for leading six sales offices in five states that supported 3,000 sales personnel across the nation and the client communications center.
In her new role, Roberts will spearhead the implementation of the college's Facilities Master Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan, which help support student needs and identify the necessary planning for ongoing critical services in the event of a crisis.
“Creating innovative strategies and processes to boost efficiencies, elevate student/employee satisfaction and obtain optimal outcomes are true passions of mine,” she said.
Roberts joined the college in 2008 as the staff services manager and became director of business affairs in 2012. Within this role, she oversaw the purchasing, conference and event services, staff services, the bookstore, and dining services functions. She was appointed interim Vice President for Administrative Affairs in 2019, during which she continued in her dual role as director of business affairs as well as contract officer for the college.
Roberts earned her Associate in Arts degree from College of DuPage, a Bachelor of Science degree from Elmhurst College and an MBA from Benedictine University, graduating as a member of the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society.
“Ellen brings a wealth of knowledge to this vital role that will make a sound impact on our ability to meet our operational, financial and strategic goals,” said President Dr. Brian Caputo. “She is a strategic thinker and has earned a stellar reputation as a trusted resource who dutifully works to meet the needs of the College's internal and external constituents, while maintaining the integrity of the institution.”
Several of Robert's key accomplishments include successfully orchestrating the facilities preparation and maintenance for the College's response to the COVID-19 pandemic; leading the effort to significantly reduce the print volumes and associated costs; and expanding the role of the Conference and Event Services function to best serve internal and external clients.