January 2021 Letter to the Editor from Dr. Laurie Borowicz

Monday, January 11^th was my 5^th anniversary as President of Kishwaukee College.  When I arrived in 2016, little did I realize what would be ahead of us.

To recognize the day, I hosted a virtual Town Hall examining our Past, Present, and Future.  It was remarkable to have 148 faculty, staff, and Board members participate in the discussion.

We have much to be proud of in looking back at the last five years.  One of the most common themes participants shared during the Town Hall was “teamwork.”  We have broken down silos and have figured out how to work together.  This does not mean we always agree — but we have figured out that even when we are not all on the same page on certain points, we are all at Kish to serve our students.

Much of our work has focused on Student Success.  Accomplishments include increases in student degree completion rates, a new proactive advising model, and more athletes participating on Kougar athletic teams.  We are analyzing our student outcome data, benchmarking ourselves to comparable colleges, and developing College goals to address the areas needing improvement.  The College has demonstrated a commitment to social justice and will continue to strive for equitable outcomes for all students.

Partnerships have been at the forefront of our work.  We have built stronger relationships with our business community, including increased short-term training programs to meet specific industry needs.  We have partnered with the Illinois Small Business Development Center at Waubonsee Community College to support small businesses in our communities.  Working closely with our area high schools, dual credit opportunities have increased, helping local youth be college and career ready.  We have worked with Northern Illinois University to help students successfully transfer and be on a pathway to a bachelor’s degree.

The College campus has been enhanced to meet the needs of our learners.  Older campus classrooms and spaces have been transformed, and new spaces have been created to support students in their educational pursuits.  The use of technology has increased significantly, helping us do more with less, and ensure quality service and support for our students.

Kishwaukee College has accomplished so much in the last five years, in spite of a budget impasse, enrollment challenges, a pandemic, and an unprecedented rate of change.  Our foundation — a supportive and committed Board of Trustees, dedicated faculty and staff, and our local communities — is why we are able to continue to move Kishwaukee College forward, be an institution of continuous quality improvement, and most importantly, transform the lives of our students.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as president of Kishwaukee College.

#Kishproud

Dr. Laurie S. Borowicz
President, Kishwaukee College