Past Presidents - Michael S. Shirley: “Improving Lives Through Learning”

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

Apart from Gil Renner, he aspired to be remembered as the only president to be promoted from within the college.

Shirley had a forward-looking perspective. He revamped the planning committee to focus on the 2020 building plan.

Carole Akemann, the Director of Marketing and Public Information, reminisces about Shirley as "the planner and continuous improvement champion, recognizing the importance of strategic, long-term thinking and planning."

In terms of achievements, Michael Shirley considered leaving the college in a better state than he found it to be his greatest accomplishment.