A large group of faculty in the audience cheered as the College of DuPage board of trustees Vice Chairman David Olsen nominated Ann Rondeau to be the next COD president.  With the Clean Slate and Olsen voting “yes,” Erin Birt abstaining and Diane McGuire and Joseph Wozniak voting “present,” the board hired Rondeau with no objection.

Her term is effective starting July 1. Interim President Joseph Collins will return to his post as executive vice president of the college.

Although Rondeau wasn’t present at the special meeting, she stated afterwards she is looking forward to helping COD move forward, and thanked the college for the support.

“I am humbled and honored that the board of trustees has confidence in my ability to serve successfully as the president of the College of DuPage,” said Rondeau. “I am thrilled to become a part of this truly stellar, leading-edge academic community. I look forward to supporting the students, faculty, staff and the broader College of DuPage community. Thank you for this outstanding opportunity to serve you.”

Before placing his vote, Trustee Frank Napolitano gave his support for the nomination.

“One candidate truly stood out to me during the search committee interviews, the public forums and the COD board interviews, and that was Dr. Ann Rondeau,” said Napolitano. “Dr. Rondeau has served this country with great distinction as vice admiral of the U.S. Navy. She did truly exceptional work turning around the Great Lakes Naval Service Training Command. She also served as the president of the National Defense University in Washington D.C., where many of America’s finest officers and military leaders are trained.”

Before announcing the board’s nominee, Olsen stated what he was looking for in a president while reflecting upon the three candidates.

“As I considered the choices for our next college president, I sought an individual who deeply understands the mission of College of DuPage to provide accessible, affordable education to our community; and an individual who innately recognizes the unique and important roles played by each College stakeholder—students, faculty, staff and the community; an individual who not only has the skills to address our present challenges but the inspiration to lead the college toward a better tomorrow; and an individual who will be a visionary leader and also a humble listener.”

Birt, McGuire and Wozniak did not provide an initial explanation for how they voted. However, Wozniak said he favored current Elgin Community College President David Sam to be the next COD president in a previous interview with the Courier.

The next board meeting will be held on Thursday, May 5.