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College of Lake County Interviewing 6 for Top Job

Posted on: Wednesday, 2 November 2005, 18:01 CST

By Lolly Bowean, Chicago Tribune

Nov. 2--The next College of Lake County president will have to make sure the school has enough offerings to fulfill the educational needs of its growing student body, officials said.

The Grayslake school's board of trustees began interviews with the six finalists for the top job on Monday.

The focus is on finding someone who can help the school develop strong workers for the local economy on a fixed budget, said William Griffin, chairman of the college's board.

"We want to continue to do the things we do and define what our priorities are and what we should keep doing with our financial resources," Griffin said.

Five finalists have worked as community college presidents; one is vice president of a community college in Florida.

The board hopes to select a president by December and have that person in place by next summer, said Evelyn Schiele, a College of Lake County spokeswoman.

"The board is looking for an individual who is high energy, is a gifted educator, able to inspire and is a good leader," she said.

The college has been searching for a president since 2004 when Gretchen Naff announced her retirement.

Naff had been president since 1995 and her annual salary was $189,000.

Officials thought they had a successor in April, but that person turned down the job, citing the compensation package.

The president oversees a $65 million budget and three campuses and extension sites, in addition to being involved in fundraising and program development.

A recent slowdown in area development has presented financial challenges, officials said.

Meanwhile, enrollment is increasing, especially among full-time students, people seeking help with English language skills and students with disabilities.

There are 15,745 students enrolled this year.

"A community college has to be many things to different people," Schiele said.

The candidates will appear before students and residents at open forums.

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Source: Chicago Tribune

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