Dr. Walter Fronczek, of Orland Park, was sworn in as a member of the Board of Trustees at Moraine Valley Community College during a special meeting in April.
Fronczek’s more than 40 years of experience in higher education began as a student at Moraine Valley. Initially, Fronczek was not interested in pursuing higher education and attended Moraine Valley so he could work while attending school. As a student, he worked part time as an orientation aide. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Saint Xavier University and working as a drug and alcohol counselor, Fronczek was hired as coordinator of College Activities in Moraine Valley’s Student Life Office.
He went on to hold numerous positions at the college, including director of College Activities, assistant dean of Student Life and Judicial Affairs, assistant dean of Liberal Arts and dean of Liberal Arts – a position he held for 17 years. During this time, he earned a master’s degree from Columbia College Chicago and a doctoral degree from National Louis University.
Fronczek believes his experience at Moraine Valley in student and academic affairs will add value to the Board of Trustees. “It [Moraine Valley] gives students the opportunity to get an education who might not have had the opportunity before because of its affordability, the one-on-one instruction they get and the assistance they get with our great services here. That was the main reason I ran for the position,” Fronczek shared. “As a community member, you have to make sure that keeps happening – that you’re involved and that the great things we do keep happening.” His daughter, wife, brother-in-law and many of his neighbors also are graduates of Moraine Valley.
Under Fronczek’s leadership, the Liberal Arts Department expanded opportunities for students through new academic programs, and he oversaw the development of the Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and the Associate in Fine Arts in Music degrees.
Fronczek served as the community campaign manager for the college’s $89 million referendum campaign in 2006, which funded facilities that transformed the campus. He retired from Moraine Valley in 2022 and was inducted into the college’s Alumni Hall of Fame in 2023.
As a trustee, Fronczek hopes to explore and advocate for new programs, keep pace with local business and community needs, and increase the college’s visibility. He shared, “We just have to keep doing what we’re doing and have to ask ourselves ‘Is what we do good for the students?’ That is the first question we always ask. Is it going to provide students with what they need to achieve success?”
He is excited about the future and the many ways Moraine Valley can make a difference. “There are plenty of opportunities. I think we’re in a thriving area, where we could fill a lot of the needs of the community,” he said.
