By: Itzel Gutierrez, Social Media Executive, and Cole Patrick, Marketing Executive

On Wednesday, Apr. 16, 2025, the Waubonsee Community College Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting which featured a series of important events, such as the inauguration of the new Student Senate President and Student Trustee, updates on the ongoing recruitment of a lobbyist organization and finally a breakdown of this year’s fiscal budget.

The meeting began with Campus Police Chief JC Paez officially swearing in Maria Santillan as the newest Student Trustee. In her introductory remarks, Santillan assured she would do her best to bring Latinx resources to the Waubonsee campuses and guarantee that student workers receive adequate pay and hours. 

“One idea I’m passionate about is bringing the Latinx Resource Center services to the Sugar Grove Campus,” Santillan said. “I also know many student workers who have been impacted by recent decisions at the college, and I want to push for more opportunities that allow them to maintain the hours and income they need to support both their education and personal responsibilities.” 

Shortly after Santillan was inaugurated, Waubonsee Community College President Dr. Brian Knetl introduced the new Student Senate President Michelle Alaniz, as well as the rest of the Student Senate. Alaniz delivered brief remarks on her election, and was joined by friends and family alongside Santillan for commemorative photos with Knetl and Board Chair Rebecca Oliver. 

After the induction ceremony concluded, Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration John Bryant reported on the college’s expenditures for this year and how they aligned with the budget. Bryant reported that 75 percent of the budget had been spent so far, with the utilities category being higher than the other categories. 

Bryant organized his meeting outline by sharing graphs with the board, pinpointing expense trends and providing a clear view of information such as income revenue from the state, campus operation budget, institutional support and the overall education revenue. 

While Bryant assured the board that the finances are not expected to exceed this year’s budget, he suggested that certain categories be adjusted for future budgets.

“Those are some things we are looking at, making sure that those budget dollars are better aligned with what our expected expenditures are,” Bryant said. “That will just improve the quality of our budget and give us some more flexibility to devote dollars in advance instead of having to transfer dollars into the fiscal year.” 

Bryant finished his report by assuring the board they are accurately aligned with the budget, and that the new Technical Education Center is both within the anticipated budget and time frame. He estimates that the project will likely be finished by the end of April.

Following Bryant’s announcements, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategy Dr. Toya Webb briefly commented on the upcoming commencement ceremony and updated the board on the school’s ongoing search for a lobbyist. What began at seven candidates has been narrowed down to only two, and will be narrowed to one within about a month.

“We are looking at how connected they are to community colleges, their experience with working with community colleges, compliance with ethical standards, communication and responsiveness, measurable success, networks and costs.”

Webb went on to inform the board about the utility a lobbyist would bring to Waubonsee.

“The scope of work includes working with the lobbyist to strategize on crafting an appropriation act, assist in the development of fact sheets, set up key meetings with legislative figures, assist in the development and implementation of our legislative agenda,” Webb said.

After her final remarks, President of the WCC Faculty Council Patty Saccone recognized seven retiring faculty. These included Assistant Professor of Nurse Assistant and Allied Health Pam Brooks, Professor of Mathematics Amy Frankel, Professor of Automotive Technology Kenneth Kunz, Professor of English Dr. Jeanne McDonald, Assistant Professor of Human Services Michael Moran, Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Marjie Schoolfield and Reference Librarian Marilee Stach. Saccone stated ways these professors shaped Waubonsee as a whole and the impact their work had on both students and faculty.

This discussion was followed by Knetl who showcased his pride in regard to the Waubonsee faculty. He highlighted Professor of Education Kathleen Randall who won Waubonsee’s 2024 Outstanding Faculty Award and was nominated for faculty member of the year for one of the largest community college conferences. Knetl then discussed previous Waubonsee faculty who have been recognized for their outstanding work in community colleges.

“This really does speak to the quality of our faculty, and I think the pride that we all have in our faculty being recognized nationally,” Knetl said. 

Following his pride for the faculty, Dr. Knetl extended his praise for the school by announcing a new certificate program in hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EV) technology, set to launch next fall. The program will be an extension of the automotive program and will be optimized so that both students coming out of high school and automotive workers looking to expand their industry knowledge will be able to participate and learn.

This EV program will allow students to earn certificates upon completion which can be achieved in under one year, and can also be used to train current mechanical workers.  

“We’ll be reaching out to mechanics and service areas that already have a program and maybe upscaling in hybrid, which is a great example of responding to the community,” Knetl said. 

The meeting was adjourned with final remarks from Knetl, who highlighted recent student success at the joint honors induction ceremony and the upcoming open houses in Plano, Aurora and Sugar Grove campuses. 

The upcoming Board of Trustees meeting is set for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.