Administration - President

Biography

Dr. Peggy Heinrich's academic journey embodies a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. Now serving as Interim President, she leverages her extensive experience to guide Elgin Community College through this crucial period. Dr. Heinrich's collaborative and visionary approach ensures ECC's continued pursuit of academic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement. She was named an Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow in 2022.

Dr. Heinrich had long supported ECC's adult education program before she arrived at the college in 2007. Her deep understanding of ECC's values and priorities positions her to lead with integrity and compassion, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. With a background in diverse fields, including Applied Linguistics and Secondary Education, Dr. Heinrich brings a unique perspective to her role and drives positive change in higher education.

Dr. Heinrich holds a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Community College Leadership from Ferris State University, reflecting her dedication to practical leadership skills. Before her doctoral studies, Dr. Heinrich earned a Master's Degree from Northeastern Illinois University and a Bachelor's Degree from DePaul University, laying the groundwork for her passion for empowering students through language and literature. Dr. Heinrich is also skilled in strategic planning, student-success initiatives, creative partnerships, and fiscal leadership.

Dr. Heinrich has been with Elgin Community College (ECC) since 2007. Originally hired as the associate dean of adult education, she subsequently served as the dean of adult education and workforce development before becoming the vice president of teaching, learning, and student development, a position she occupied for the past eight years. Dr. Heinrich oversaw ECC’s academic, student services, and development divisions in this position. In July 2024, Dr. Heinrich moved into the role of Interim President.

Prior to her time at ECC, Dr. Heinrich served for five years as the associate director for adult education and family literacy with the Illinois Community College Board. She also served as a community literacy grant monitor for the Secretary of State’s Literacy Office and as an independent adult education and fundraising consultant for community-based organizations throughout the Chicagoland area. She served as the director of programs for Literacy Chicago and as the adult literacy tutoring coordinator for the Albany Park Community Center. Dr. Heinrich has taught English as a second language classes to adult students at various community-based organizations and began her career as a high school English teacher within the Chicago Public School system.

Dr. Heinrich holds a Doctor of Education in community college leadership from Ferris State University, where she graduated with the highest distinction and was awarded the 2017 faculty award for Distinguished Scholar-Practitioner. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts in applied linguistics with a concentration in teaching English as a second language from Northeastern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts in English/secondary education with a minor in communications from DePaul University.

Dr. Heinrich served as the Vice President of the Illinois Community College Chief Academic Officers Executive Council in 2023-2024 and as Secretary the year prior. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Golden Corridor Family YMCA and as a board member for ECC’s Illinois Small Business Development Center. Dr. Heinrich served on the Higher Education Future’s Table: High School College Partnerships Working Group in 2024 and the Illinois Board of Higher Education Strategic Planning Equity Working Group in 2021. In 2018-19, she was one of four members selected to represent community college on the state-mandated Dual Credit Task Force responsible for creating the state’s Model Partnership Agreement.

Dr. Heinrich was a 2022-2023 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow with the Aspen Institute. Other recognitions include the 2023 YWCA Harriet Gifford and Hattie Griffin Education Leadership Award and Elgin Community College’s Leader of the Year Award in 2014 and 2018.