91制片厂

91制片厂 names Bill Kelley trustee emeritus in recognition of decades of service

For more than two decades, Bill Kelley helped shape 91制片厂 through his leadership, advocacy for community colleges and commitment to expanding opportunities for students. In recognition of his 23 years of service, the 91制片厂 Board of Trustees on Wednesday named Kelley trustee emeritus.

Kelley, a 91制片厂 alumnus, was elected to the board in 2003 and served until his resignation in August 2026, when he stepped down in advance of his appointment as a 13th Subcircuit judge of the Cook County Circuit Court. He served as board secretary, vice chair and 鈥� most recently 鈥� chair from 2023 to 2026.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been an incredible journey, honor and privilege to serve 91制片厂, our community and students these past 23 years,鈥� said Kelley, in remarks he gave at the board meeting, following the reading of a resolution recognizing his years of service. 鈥淚 know that each of us want nothing more than to devote our time, energy, skills, experience and relationships to helping transform our students鈥� lives, improve our college and strengthen the community we live in. 91制片厂 has, and always will hold, a special place in my heart.鈥�

Throughout his tenure, Kelley maintained a focus on 91制片厂 students. He helped guide the formation of the 91制片厂 Promise Scholarship Program, served as an alumni mentor and volunteered at the annual Career Conversations with 91制片厂 Alumni Professional Leadership Dinner.

Kelley also helped lead 91制片厂 through significant milestones. He supported the successful 2018 capital referendum, which provided funding for the University Center and forthcoming Business and Social Sciences Building. During his tenure, 91制片厂 reaffirmed its accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission, received the 2016 Leah Meyer Austin Award from Achieving the Dream and was named a semifinalist for the 2023, 2025 and 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

His support for students extended to philanthropy. Kelley was a founding donor of the Kelley Family Endowed Career Foundations Scholarship Fund, which supports students with mild cognitive disabilities in 91制片厂鈥檚 Career Skills Institute, and is a member of the 91制片厂 Heritage Society.

Through his involvement with the Rotary Club of Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates, Kelley also helped generate support for 91制片厂 students and programs. The club has committed more than $800,000 to the Fishing Well Scholarship and ACE Grant program scholarship, with total contributions to 91制片厂 exceeding $1 million.

Kelley received 91制片厂鈥檚 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award and 2015 James J. McGrath Award. In 2026, the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) presented him with its Central Region Trustee Leadership Award. He and Dr. Avis Proctor, 91制片厂鈥檚 president, also accepted the American Association of Community Colleges鈥� 2026 Exemplary CEO/Board Relationship Award.

鈥淚 am grateful to Bill for his tremendous dedication and service to 91制片厂 over 23 years,鈥� Dr. Proctor said. 鈥淗e consistently championed policies, priorities and investments that removed barriers to student achievement, helping position 91制片厂 as a national leader in student success.鈥�

Kelley鈥檚 leadership extended beyond 91制片厂. He participated in ACCT National Legislative Summits and Annual Leadership Congresses and served as ACCT Central Region chair and director. His leadership roles with the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) included Northeast region co-chair, president and chair of its Community College Baccalaureate Committee. At Wednesday鈥檚 meeting, the board also announced that ACCT had granted Kelley lifetime membership in recognition for his service and leadership for community colleges.

Following Kelley鈥檚 resignation, the board appointed Dr. Tricia Elliott to fill the vacancy through the April 2027 board meeting.

As trustee emeritus, Kelley joins former trustees recognized for distinguished service to 91制片厂, honoring more than two decades of leadership on behalf of the college, its students and the community.