By: Ashley Vanderhoff, Editor-in-Chief

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, the Waubonsee Board of Trustees meeting began with introductions of new administrators, full-time faculty and an attorney from Robin Schwartz. The board listened to five reports, now scheduled before the executive session for greater public accessibility, and approved three full-time faculty tenure recommendations. One public comment was heard. After the executive session, the board reviewed and discussed approval of the consent agenda.

Associate Chief of Staff Jess Price was introduced by Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategy Dr. Toya Webb. Three new deans were also introduced, including Dean for Arts and Humanities Dr. Danielle Fundora Hardesty, Dean for Business and Social Science Dr. Tamekia Smith and Dean for Math and Science Dr. Eric Aurand. 

Three new full-time faculty were introduced, including Instructor of Sociology Jessie Miller, Librarian Annette Alvarado, who was not able to attend the meeting, and Librarian Nate Wagner.  Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration John Bryant then introduced Kenneth Florey, the lead attorney from Robin Schwartz, who will attend the board meeting on a regular basis and offer general counsel. He has prior experience working with community colleges. 

The board heard a number of institutional reports and presentations. Bryant provided a financial update and requested three approvals. First, he presented the proposed three dollar per credit hour tuition increase, with no change to student fees. Second, he discussed the approval of the appointment of a Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) for the Fiscal Year 2025 audit, included in the consent agenda. Lastly, he asked for the approval for an update of the investment policy.

Bryant also gave a brief legal update, noting that Robin Schwartz has been providing updates and guidance on the recent executive orders. He also shared progress on efforts to monitor student accounts for potential fraud, highlighting some of the cybersecurity protocols and detection currently in place to ensure fraud is caught and action is taken. Of 70 accounts flagged for potential fraud, six were confirmed. Lastly, Bryant updated the board on campus operations’ work to inventory and prioritize deferred maintenance, focusing on boilers. Civil engineer David Mason is assisting with this process. Once a vendor is selected, a detailed analysis of the boilers will be conducted to plan repairs and replacement, and to establish the total cost and appropriate timeline to address these issues.

Bryant then requested the approval for the three dollar per credit hour tuition increase. Chair Rebecca Oliver inquired about how the increase compares to other districts, and Bryant provided an answer.

“For Fiscal Year 2025 we are currently in 33 out of 39 for total cost, many colleges are still determining or approving their changes for the next fiscal year,” Bryant said. “The Illinois Community College CFO does share that information, and what we’ve seen is a range of anywhere from a zero increase of tuition all the way up to ten dollars per credit hour. Many of our closest peers’ colleges, Elgin and Harper are both at three dollars per credit hour that they’re expecting to increase.”

Bryant noted that the Student Senate supported the increase in tuition and the motion carried with unity from the board.

Faculty Council President Patty Saccone updated the board on contract negotiations and introduced faculty council members, including Associate Professor of Biology Justin Hoshaw and Faculty Counselor Christian Locke. She reiterated the council’s goals of bargaining in good faith and ensuring the council represents the college and faculty’s best interest. Saccone noted that the council negotiators would present faculty needs, but the decision to ratify any contract lies with the membership.

Student Trustee Ashley Hatcher provided the next report, updating the board on athletics, including the recognition of sophomore basketball athletes and cheerleaders the following night before the men’s basketball game. She highlighted the athletics department’s partnership with the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. Marleigha Evans’ office to celebrate Black History Month with some activities planned during the same night. Hatcher also discussed a trip to Washington, DC, where she spoke at the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA meeting) and met with United States Representatives Bill Foster and Lauren Underwood to discuss the Pell Grant, as well as state senators to advocate for the community college students. She informed the board about the upcoming student trustee and senate elections, with a sign-up deadline on March 10 and elections held the week of March 31. Hatcher concluded with an update on the Women’s Wellness Club’s Galentine event earlier that day.

President Dr. Brian Knetl, reporting from Philadelphia, is with a Waubonsee team attending sessions and identifying ideas within the network to enhance student success. He also mentioned meeting with Representatives Foster and Underwood and advocating for expanded Pell Grants and other initiatives for the state’s community college system. Knelt reflected on the strategic planning launch party (RISE 2030), and introduced a new communication format within the college called, “Current Conversations,” to keep the college updated. He emphasized ongoing monitoring of executive orders and collaboration with Robin Schwartz to prepare and respond as necessary. He concluded with an announcement made by Governor Pritzker earlier that day.

“Today the Governor announced support for and legislation that was introduced to allow community colleges to offer the Baccalaureate. It is not passed yet, but there’s going to be some legislation formulated and introduced, and if passed, it will mark an opportunity for community colleges to offer a baccalaureate.., with some parameters surrounding it,” Knetl said. “It will be when and where there is a demonstrated need. Where the four year institutions might not be able to meet the need… and when our closest bachelor program might be an obstacle for students, or places where we really think we can do a greater service to the community.”

He concluded by offering his support of the recommendation for three faculty members to receive tenure. Interim Dean for Industry and Technology Dr. Bill Marzano stepped up to the podium to introduce and share his support for Instructor of Business Dr. Nour Al Naber, Instructor of Business Andy Clements and Instructor of Art Debra Kayes Halpern.

“I just want to say I’ve been very privileged to shepherd these three fine faculty into these final steps to bring them here tonight. I had a chance to observe them, and they’re all great teachers. They’re not afraid of being in front of a group to speak,” Marzano said.

Nour, who started teaching at Waubonsee as an adjunct faculty before becoming full-time, has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Philadelphia University in Amman, Jordan, a Master’s in Business Administration and a certificate in Leadership and Organizational Development from Governors State University, IL and a doctoral degree in Leadership from the University of St. Francis. She has also co-founded a business in Chicago and has provided strategic marketing advice for local enterprises.

“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be part of the Waubonsee culture and the Waubonsee team. Our students are amazing… I love being here with them. I’m also co-advisor of the Business club with the best co-advisor you can imagine, and the best support I owe to Andy [Clements] and our team. We have a very collaborative and a very strong culture,” Nour said.

Clements, in-addition to his full-time teaching career at Waubonsee, remains active in the private sector as the CEO of a digital marketing firm and currently owns multiple successful business entities. He has also served on multiple boards of directors for non-profit organizations. 

“My journey here from a student to eventually adjunct faculty member and then faculty member, I just want to say I’m very grateful for the opportunity to teach at Waubonsee and build some amazing connections with our students,” Clements said. “A few of the items that really have touched my heart here at Waubonsee are bringing back the business club with Dr. Nour after COVID, and we’ve had some amazing speakers, and we’ve had in attendance 40 to 50 students, which to me, I really do see as a great success with the club.”

Kayes, among being full-time faculty at Waubonsee, is also an artist, designer and curator. She has taught in higher education for over 20 years and has exhibited her art and design project in venues such as The Illinois State Museum, The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Chicago Artists Coalition, The Hyde Park Art Center, New American Paintings, The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and The National Museum in Berlin.

“I am just thrilled to have this job. This is truly my dream job. I get to teach classes like graphic design, painting, typography, digital illustration, and art appreciation. I have really amazing students, and my classes fill up really well,” Kayes said. “I am currently developing two pathways. One is a certificate that would be in graphic design, and one is a two-year transfer degree in graphic design… I also wanted to mention that I revived the art and design club, and we have partnered with organizations like [American Institute of Graphic Arts] and had speakers come in and do portfolio reviews with our students, and we take field trips. Thank you so much for this wonderful job.”

The board unanimously approved the recommendation of full-time tenure for all three faculty.

The public comment section held one speaker who addressed the board about the pledge of allegiance. He began his comment with the pledge and followed with his argument for starting each board meeting with it. As pertaining to board policy, the subject was not additionally debated.

The board convened for its Executive session at 7:02 p.m. Following, they reconvened to Open Session where they discussed Approval of the Consent Agenda, and the meeting was adjourned. The next board meeting takes place on Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.