College of DuPage Board Chairwoman Kathy Hamilton unexpectedly resigned from her position Sunday night. Hamilton held the seat for seven months.

In a letter addressed to students, faculty and district 502 citizens, Hamilton detailed “personal reasons” as her reason for resigning. Her resignation is effective immediately.

In the past month Hamilton has been cited as a defendant in two lawsuits, one against the board as a whole and another filed by Robert Breuder, former COD president, against the “clean slate.”

Hamilton and “clean slate” board members Mazzochi, Frank Napolitano and Charles Bernstein have been responsible for the termination of multiple COD administrators, closing Waterleaf restaurant and launching the presidential search.

Student Trustee Gloria Roark was surprised by the resignation. “I am in complete and utter shock,” said Roark. “I totally respect her decision to do so due to personal reasons, whatever those personal reasons maybe be.”

Roark commented that Hamilton’s decision to step down will add another layer to COD’s current state. “I just feel like the college and the community members are going to be in shock and we will all be kind of confused for awhile, which means we won’t necessarily know what direction the college will be going in now that there is this “3-3″ split. And now we have to find a new chairman on top of our presidential search. This is just all so crazy.”

Vice Chairwoman Deanne Mazzochi will take the place of Hamilton. The board has 60 days to appoint a new member. If they fail to do so, a member will be appointed by the Illinois Community College Board.

Mazzochi issued the following statement Monday morning: “Kathy Hamilton was a passionate advocate for COD reform and delivering a 21^st century education for the benefit of students and taxpayers alike. We are saddened that Kathy Hamilton will not continue in her role at College of DuPage, and we wish her well. We were surprised to learn of Kathy’s decision, but the Board will continue to address the many challenges that lie ahead for COD, including an imminent ruling from the Higher Learning Commission. We as a Board will strive to provide cohesive leadership going forward to ensure the best education and services possible for our region.”

Acting Interim President Joseph Collins is not concerned for the college’s advancements. ” I do not expect that this development will have any effect on the daily operations of the College,” said Collins in an email to the college.

This is a developing story.