Past Presidents

Dr. Sam modernized ECC, securing strong national credit ratings. His leadership has made ECC a model for governance, accountability, and community engagement, ensuring it remains a trusted resource for District 509 and future-ready.

Michael Shirley had a profound concern for Illinois High School Diploma (GED) graduates, particularly those adult students with teenagers at home.

As the inaugural ethnically diverse leader, Dr. Flores set a groundbreaking path.

Throughout Paul Heath's seven-year tenure as President of Elgin Community College, the institution experienced unprecedented growth and expansion, reminiscent of the developments of the late 1960s. Under his visionary leadership, enrollment surged by an impressive 69%, marking a significant milestone in the college's history.

Previously an executive director in the Connecticut higher education system, Dr. Searle Charles assumed a crucial role at Elgin Community College. The Board entrusted him with specific tasks, including negotiating the inaugural union contracts, establishing a foundation, reducing administration by 10%, and securing the passage of a crucial referendum.

Mark Hopkins, a dynamic and proactive individual, served as the President of Elgin Community College from 1975 to 1982. Always championing the best interests of the college and its faculty, Hopkins was recalled by Lynn Willett as a transformative force who altered the college's trajectory.

On September 27, 1971, Robert L. Appel was appointed president of Elgin Community College, a pivotal moment marked by a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees.

Gilbert Renner, a distinguished figure and former President of Elgin Community College (ECC), left an indelible mark on the institution. Renner, well-known in the community, brought a wealth of experience from his background as a high school teacher and his active involvement in organizations such as the YMCA and the Church.