Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has named Dr. Sylvia M. Jenkins, president emerita of Moraine Valley Community College, the new chair of the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). Jenkins replaces Dr. Lazaro Lopez, who concluded his term as chair on June 30.
“I am quite honored to be selected to chair the Illinois Community College Board. My 30-plus-year career in higher education has spanned all levels from a part-time librarian to an adjunct instructor to a dean, vice president and president,” Jenkins said. “That breadth of experience provides me a unique perspective of community colleges’ needs and goals. I plan to use my collective experiences to help guide me in this new endeavor and look forward to continuing the great work the ICCB does.”
Jenkins served as the fifth president of Moraine Valley from July 1, 2012, until June 30, 2023. Prior to her presidency, she served as vice president, Academic Affairs; dean, Academic Development & Learning Resources; assistant dean, Center for Teaching & Learning/director of the Library; and public services librarian at Moraine Valley; and director, Library Services and public services librarian at Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia. Jenkins holds a Ph.D. in education and human resource studies with a specialization in community college leadership from Colorado State University, an MLS/Master of Library Science from State University of New York at Albany, and a B.S. in English education from Grambling State University.
Throughout her career, Jenkins has advocated for student success by serving on national and regional boards, including the American Association of Community Colleges, the League for Innovation in the Community College, Community Colleges for International Development and the Cook County Workforce Innovation Board. She currently serves on Ferris State University’s Doctorate in Community College Leadership Advisory Board, in addition to multiple advisory and community service boards.
Her contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including the 2021 Pacesetter of the Year Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations, the 2021 Advocacy Award from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association and the CASE V Chief Executive Leadership Award in 2018.
Jenkins also has been a respected voice in national conversations on leadership, equity and institutional effectiveness, serving as keynote speaker, panelist and faculty for events such as the League for Innovation’s Executive Leadership Institute and the Centers of Academic Excellence Executive Leadership Forum.
“Moraine Valley is so proud of Dr. Jenkins and the work she continues to do for community colleges. We have seen first-hand the impact she makes as a leader in education, and now all community colleges in Illinois will benefit from her leadership, expertise and guidance. She is a strong voice and powerful advocate not only for our students but for students throughout the state,” said Dr. Pamela J. Haney, president of Moraine Valley. “We send her our warm congratulations and well-wishes as she begins this new role.”
Dr. Brian Durham, executive director of the Illinois Community College Board, has worked closely with Jenkins for over a decade and said, “Her appointment brings a deep well of experience, integrity and visionary leadership to this role. Her longstanding commitment to Illinois’ community college system and her thoughtful, student-centered leadership style will be invaluable as we continue our work together.”
Jenkins recognizes the challenges that lay ahead for higher education and is eager to begin working on them. “The landscape of higher education is changing quickly at the federal level, and while we don’t yet know exactly what impact those changes will have on our students, we want to be prepared so the important work Illinois faculty and staff are doing can continue. Student success continues to be our top priority, and the ICCB will do whatever it can to support Illinois community colleges and give the great residents of our state access to education that will improve their quality of life and grow their communities,” she said.
For news media inquiries, contact Jessica Crotty, chief marketing and communications officer, at (708) 974-5286 or crotty@morainevalley.edu.
