Office of the President

Dr. Brian Knetl became the fifth President of Waubonsee Community College on January 30, 2023. In this role, he is responsible for the overall leadership of the college which provides programs and services at a network of four permanent campuses located across the 624-square-mile college district and through extensive online offerings. 

Dr. Knetl has almost 25 years of service in higher education as a faculty member and administrator. Prior to his appointment as President, Dr. Knetl served as Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan. Dr. Knetl spent 10 years at Harper College in Palatine, IL. where he served as interim Provost, Associate Provost, Dean of Liberal Arts, and founding Associate Dean of the Center for Adjunct Faculty Engagement. Dr. Knetl’s first full-time administrative position was as Assistant Dean at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL. Before his transition into administration, Dr. Knetl was a full-time faculty member in the Theater Department at Saint Mary’s University in Winona, MN. 

In 2018-2019 Dr. Knetl completed the Aspen Presidential Fellowship Program for Community College Excellence. Dr. Knetl earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Saint Mary’s University, a master’s degree in Theatre from Texas State University, and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University-Chicago.  

Dr. Knetl was appointed by Mayor Richard Irvin to the City of Aurora Education Commission and serves on the Invest Aurora Board of Directors, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Valley Industrial Association Board of Directors.

Contact Stephanie Wennmacher to request Dr. Knetl's photo.