Waubonsee Community College recently announced a reinvention plan designed to enhance the college’s ability to benefit students and the community. The reinvention will more closely align some existing efforts by removing distinctions between certain units within the college. Because of the reinvention plan, the college has redefined some existing positions resulting in four people being appointed to the new positions.
Dr. Lulu Blacksmith has been appointed to the position of Dean for Student and Community Engagement. This position reports to the Vice President of Student Development and provides leadership for Student Life, TRIO/Student Support Services and TRIO/Upward Bound, as well as for collaboration with school districts and the college’s student engagement efforts. Blacksmith will continue her leadership of community/external engagement and governmental relationships. Blacksmith has served as the Director of Government and Community Engagement at Waubonsee since March 2008.
Dr. Kathleen Gorski has been appointed to the position of Dean for Learning Outcomes, Curriculum and Program Development. This position reports to the Vice President of Educational Affairs and provides leadership for the review, maintenance and/or revision of existing curriculum and the development of new courses and programs, as well as creating efficient structures and processes that ensure Waubonsee’s educational programs are relevant to the needs of the district and students. Gorski will continue her leadership of outcomes assessment. Gorski has served as the Assistant Dean for Outcomes Assessment at Waubonsee since July 2016.
Dr. Laura Ortiz has been appointed to the position of Dean for Faculty Development and Engagement. This position was created to lead a new department for the college and reports to the Vice President of Educational Affairs. Ortiz will provide leadership for the comprehensive faculty development program that supports full-time and adjunct faculty. Before this appointment, Ortiz served as the Dean for Social Sciences, Education and World Languages at Waubonsee since January 2015.
Dr. Scott Peska has been appointed to the position of Assistant Vice President of Student Services. This position reports to the Vice President of Student Development and provides leadership for athletics, disability resources, financial aid, registration and records, as well as testing services. Peska has served as the Dean for Students at Waubonsee since November 2012.
