Madam President: A new era for Elgin Community College

When Peggy Heinrich, EdD, became the ninth president of Elgin Community College, she was both honored and exhilarated. Heinrich, who is deeply committed to higher education and community service, views her new leadership role as the continuation of a personal journey that has evolved throughout her career. 

Looking back, Heinrich never imagined herself leading a community college. "If I were telling my story, I’d probably go backward and say that I thought I would be a high school English teacher, and I thought that I'd be happy doing that," Heinrich said. "But as I grew in my career, I found my passion for working with adult learners and for higher education administration."  

Heinrich discovered her true calling through her work with adult learners: the opportunity to transform lives through education. 

Over her past 18 years at ECC, Heinrich has been an integral part of the institution's growth. She has held various administrative roles, each one deepening her understanding of the pivotal role community colleges play in fostering educational and professional success.  

"What excites me most about this new chapter is the opportunity to have an even greater impact on our students and community," Heinrich said. "ECC has a strong foundation of affordability, flexibility, and academic excellence, and I am committed to building upon that legacy." 

ECC's mission to serve its diverse community is something that Heinrich is keenly ardent about.  

"The road ahead may have its challenges, but I am confident that, together, we can build on ECC’s legacy of excellence and open up even more opportunities for the people we serve," she said. "This is not just a job for me — it's a passion project, and I can’t wait to start." 

One of Heinrich’s top priorities as president is to sharpen the focus on student success, ensuring that ECC graduates are both prepared for graduation and equipped to thrive in their post-graduation endeavors. "It's not enough to just get our students to graduation — we want to ensure they are thriving after they leave us, whether that means transferring to a four-year university or launching directly into the workforce," Heinrich said. With a commitment to preparing students for the realities of both academia and the professional world, she is determined to continue expanding ECC’s workforce-oriented programs. 

ECC has long been a beacon of opportunity in the region, and under Heinrich’s leadership, the institution is positioning itself to meet the demands of the modern workforce. "Our goal is to bridge the gap between education and industry needs," Heinrich explained. "We're constantly adapting our curriculum to ensure that our graduates are job-ready and in demand." Manufacturing and technology are areas of particular focus for the college. Heinrich is dedicated to ensuring that ECC remains a leader in providing progressive education in these fields. "We're investing in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment," she said, noting that these investments not only enhance students’ learning experiences but also prepare them for the advanced technologies they will encounter in their careers. 

A fundamental component of Heinrich’s leadership is community engagement. Under her guidance, ECC continues to foster meaningful partnerships with local businesses and organizations. "We're not just an educational institution; we’re a vital part of the community," Heinrich said. "Our outreach programs and partnerships with local businesses create a symbiotic relationship that benefits everyone involved." 

As ECC’s inaugural woman president, Heinrich takes immense pride in the opportunity to break new ground while continuing to build upon the college’s rich history. "My leadership style is centered on relationship-building, consensus-driving, and a deep commitment to our community," she said. She stressed that engaging with students, faculty, staff, and local stakeholders will be central to her approach as she charts the next chapter for this remarkable institution. 

With a clear vision for the future and a deep-rooted understanding of the needs of both students and the broader community, Heinrich is ready to lead ECC into its next era of excellence. "Success and affordability go hand in hand at ECC," Heinrich said, emphasizing the institution's commitment to providing high-quality education without overwhelming students with debt. "Everything we do is aimed at helping our students thrive. From academic support services to career guidance, we’re dedicated to seeing our students achieve their goals." 

Under Heinrich's leadership, ECC is not simply responding to the evolving educational landscape but helping to shape it. As she looks to the future, Heinrich is committed to ECC’s continued cultivation as a college at the forefront of higher education, workforce readiness, and community service. With a focus on positive student outcomes, community partnerships, and continued innovation, Elgin Community College is poised for an exciting future — and Peggy Heinrich is ready to lead the way. 

Read the entire spring 2025 issue of Impact Magazine online here.