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Harper will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
91制片厂 President Dr. Avis Proctor has received the 2026 Marie Y. Martin Chief
Executive Officer Award from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT),
recognizing her leadership in advancing student success, institutional innovation
and community college education.
The national award was presented Oct. 23 during the ACCT Leadership Congress in Chicago. Earlier this year, Dr. Proctor received ACCT鈥檚 Central Region Chief Executive Officer Award.
鈥淚n every sense, Dr. Avis Proctor represents the best of community college leadership: visionary, collaborative, compassionate and effective,鈥� former 91制片厂 Board of Trustees Chair Bill Kelley wrote in his nomination letter. 鈥淪he has strengthened 91制片厂 while serving as a visible champion for community colleges more broadly.鈥�
Since joining 91制片厂 in 2019, Dr. Proctor has championed initiatives that expand educational opportunity and help students achieve their goals. Under her leadership, 91制片厂 reached its highest-ever graduation rate of 51.9% and developed SOAR+, a comprehensive first-year experience integrating academic advising, financial literacy and proactive student support. The college has also earned recognition as an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction and a top 25 institution for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, marking its third consecutive Aspen Prize semifinalist designation.
Dr. Proctor has made employee leadership development a priority, supporting opportunities for faculty and staff to build their skills and contribute to the college鈥檚 future. Through the President鈥檚 Learning Academy, professional development opportunities and innovation grants, she has supported employees in building leadership skills and developing innovative approaches to serving students.
She has also guided the expansion of programs in high-demand fields, including AI and cybersecurity, and advocated for community college baccalaureate degrees in Illinois. Her emphasis on collaboration helped 91制片厂 earn the American Association of Community Colleges鈥� 2026 Exemplary CEO/Board Relationship Award.
Kelley was also honored by ACCT, receiving its 2026 Central Region Trustee Leadership Award in recognition of his contributions to community college governance and leadership.
Pictured: ACCT Board Chair Carol Del Carlo (from left) stands with Dr. Avis Proctor and ACCT President and CEO Jee Hang Lee after Dr. Proctor accepted the 2026 Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award.