After nearly two decades of service to Lake Land College, Valerie, the Vice President of Student Services, is set to embark on a new chapter in her career. With a heartfelt farewell, she reflects on her proudest achievements, the challenges she has overcome, and the indelible mark she has left on the college community. Valerie’s departure marks the end of an era, but her influence will continue to resonate long after she moves on.
Throughout her 18-year career at Lake Land College, Valerie has played a pivotal role in shaping the student experience. One of her proudest accomplishments was developing and growing a data-driven enrolment strategy, which has allowed the college to make informed decisions and improve student retention. Her efforts didn’t stop there. Valerie also expanded the Student Wellness Centre, ensuring students had access to mental health support both virtually and in person, a move she believes was crucial in helping students succeed.
Valerie’s leadership extended beyond these initiatives. In 2006, she worked with a team to implement the college’s first TRIO Talent Search grant, which has since provided countless students with opportunities for academic success. Additionally, she spent nearly a decade in Student Life, where she helped students develop leadership skills and make meaningful connections. Her contributions to the college have left an undeniable impact, especially in the lives of the students she served.
The landscape of higher education has not been without its challenges, and Valerie faced some of her toughest moments during the pandemic. Balancing the needs of students, faculty, and staff while ensuring the continuation of services, particularly mental health support, was a complex task. However, Valerie believes that this experience taught the college the value of adaptability and strengthened their collective resolve.
Valerie’s commitment to student success has always been at the heart of her work. Whether through enhancing access to financial aid, creating mentorship opportunities, or providing crucial mental health services, she has always aimed to create a supportive environment for students. Watching them grow, succeed, and give back to their communities has been the most rewarding aspect of her career.
Now, Valerie is preparing to transition to a new role with the Illinois Board of Higher Education as the Senior Managing Director. Valerie mentioned the, “In that capacity I will serve as a member of the IBHE Senior Leadership team, serving as an advisor to the Executive Director and overseeing multiple major programmatic areas including talent and workforce development and academics and programs. I will be working on agency efficiency, alignment, and success and responsible for setting direction and policy for assigned units. I will begin the job in early to mid-October working out of the Springfield, Illinois headquarters.” She hopes to leverage her vast experience in higher education to make a positive impact at the state level, continuing her mission to support student success.
As she bids farewell to Lake Land College, Valerie offers advice to her successor: always keep students at the center of every decision and remain adaptable in the face of change. To the Student Services team, she emphasizes the importance of fostering relationships with students and providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
Valerie leaves behind a legacy of leadership, innovation, and compassion. Though she will miss the people who have made Lake Land College feel like a second home, she looks forward to the new challenges and opportunities ahead. Her final message to Lake Land is one of gratitude and encouragement: “Always strive for excellence, never stop learning, and continue to make this college the supportive, innovative place it is today.”
Valerie’s departure will undoubtedly leave a void, but her contributions will continue to shape Lake Land College for years to come.
