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Harper will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
91制片厂's president, along with faculty and staff, were honored at the Illinois
Community College Trustees Association's annual convention. Pictured (from left) are
Student Trustee Ben Vergara Parra, Board Chair Bill Kelley, Trustee Dr. Bijal Chaturvedi,
Professor Margaret Bilos, Adjunct Instructor Mary Horstman, Executive Assistant Colleen
Rice, President Dr. Avis Proctor, Chief of Staff Jeff Julian and Trustee James Meyer.
Dr. Avis Proctor, president of 91制片厂, has received the 2026 Advocacy Award from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, recognizing her leadership and advocacy on behalf of students, 91制片厂 and the Illinois community college system.
The award honors Dr. Proctor鈥檚 work to advance student success, strengthen collaboration across the state鈥檚 community colleges and support policies that expand access, affordability and opportunity for Illinois students.
In her role as chair of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents, Dr. Proctor has worked with presidents from across the state to advance shared priorities including dual credit quality, transfer alignment, common course numbering, workforce development, student pathways and community college baccalaureate opportunities.
鈥淎dvocacy for community colleges is shared work,鈥� Dr. Proctor said. 鈥淚t requires alignment, persistence, collaboration and a deep belief in the students and communities we serve.鈥�
For Dr. Proctor, that work begins with students 鈥� from high school students earning dual credit, to adult learners returning to the classroom, to students preparing to transfer or pursue credentials that lead to family-sustaining careers.
鈥淭hose students are why this work matters,鈥� she said.
Patricia Murphy, ICCTA president and trustee at Moraine Valley Community College, praised Dr. Proctor鈥檚 leadership and commitment to expanding educational opportunity across Illinois.
鈥淚t has been my absolute pleasure to work in collaboration with Dr. Avis Proctor who lives and breathes advocacy for student success,鈥� Murphy said. 鈥淪he has been a tireless and visionary advocate for expanding educational opportunities in Illinois. Through her leadership and the theme of 鈥榳orking together,鈥� she has united educators, employers, trustees and policymakers around a shared goal of creating affordable pathways to bachelor鈥檚 degrees in high-demand fields.鈥�
Murphy said Dr. Proctor鈥檚 commitment to collaboration, workforce development and equitable access to higher education has been instrumental in advancing the Community College Baccalaureate initiative and 鈥渂ringing Illinois closer to expanding opportunity for students across our state.鈥�
鈥淢y sincere congratulations to Dr. Proctor on her well-deserved, hard-earned ICCTA Advocacy Award,鈥� Murphy said.
Dr. Proctor also emphasized the importance of developing the next generation of community college leaders through statewide efforts such as the Community College Leadership Academy and the Illinois Aspiring Leaders Academy.
鈥淎dvocacy is not only about the policies we shape today,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t is also about building the leadership capacity our system will need tomorrow.鈥�
Three 91制片厂 employees also were recognized as nominees for ICCTA awards.
Colleen Rice was nominated for the Professional Board Staff Member Award, which recognizes exemplary professional service to an Illinois community college board.
Margaret Bilos was nominated for the Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award, which honors achievement among Illinois community college faculty.
Mary Horstman was nominated for the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member Award, which recognizes high achievement among the state鈥檚 part-time community college faculty. instructors.
Dr. Proctor said the recognitions reflect 91制片厂鈥檚 commitment to service, teaching excellence and student success.
鈥淐olleen, Margaret and Mary represent the dedication and professionalism that make 91制片厂 such a strong institution,鈥� she said. 鈥淭heir work supports our students and employees, our trustees and our broader college community, and we are proud to see them recognized by the ICCTA.鈥�
Dr. Proctor and the 91制片厂 nominees were honored at the ICCTA鈥檚 2026 Annual Convention on June 5.