ECC Celebrates Peggy Heinrich, EdD, as Ninth President

On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Elgin Community College (ECC) Board of Trustees hosted a reception to officially welcome Peggy Heinrich, EdD, as the ninth president of the college. The event brought together ECC employees, college presidents, and community and business leaders to celebrate Heinrich’s appointment, marking an exciting new chapter for the college.

The board unanimously voted on December 19, 2024, to appoint Heinrich as the ninth president of ECC.

Heinrich, who has dedicated 18 years to ECC, shared her journey from associate dean to dean, vice president, and interim president before taking on the role of permanent president. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed deep gratitude and excitement about leading ECC forward.

“My journey at ECC spans 18 years… from associate dean, to dean, to vice president, to interim president, and now here. That experience helps me understand how our decisions impact students and employees on every level. I promise to keep that perspective as president,” Heinrich said. “My hope is that it’ll foster an atmosphere of belonging where every student sees themselves at ECC and they feel like we see them. That will remain our commitment no matter what words we use because it’s our mission to improve people’s lives through learning. Thank you for trusting me.”

Donna Redmer, board chair, said the evening was to celebrate more than Heinrich’s appointment but the journey that has led her here. 

Dr. Heinrich’s story is one of dedication, hard work, and a relentless commitment to the students and community of ECC. She first joined our institution in 2007, beginning her career as the Associate Dean of Adult Education. From there, she rose through the ranks through a combination of vision, leadership, and perseverance, becoming the Dean of Adult Education and Workforce Development. Her exceptional work in these roles laid the foundation for the leadership she would later provide at the college.

Her leadership in this role has been transformative, focusing on equity, innovative programming, and student success. In 2024, when the Board sought an Interim President to guide the college during a critical period, Dr. Heinrich stepped forward without hesitation, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to ECC.

Her appointment as president in 2025, after a rigorous national search, is a testament to the strength of her leadership and the confidence the Board has in her ability to lead ECC into the future. Dr. Heinrich's dedication to this institution, its mission, and its people is unparalleled. She is a respected leader not only here at ECC but also in the community. Dr. Heinrich's appointment is a historic and proud moment for ECC. She is the first female president in our college’s history, marking a significant milestone in our journey as an institution. This achievement reflects her exceptional leadership, groundbreaking work at ECC, and inspiring example for all.

As we move forward under her leadership, we are confident that Dr. Heinrich’s vision will continue to guide ECC to new heights, expanding access, improving equity for all, and ensuring every student can succeed.