The college’s new interim vice president for academic affairs sees offering stability amid recent transition within the Academic Affairs Division as a priority. Donna Stewart wants to bring varied partners together to meet the current needs of the college and develop a shared vision to move forward. This comes in a wake of a series of 4-2-1 votes by the board of trustees, a major stakeholder, on key administrative and academic issues.

In her case, a “no” vote from Trustees Dianne McGuire and Joseph Wozniak, the two who have consistently voted “no” on recent administrative shakeups is of concern. The rift created within the faculty during the troubled tenure of former president Robert Breuder is likely to soften with Stewart’s agenda that prioritizes stability.

“This may sound cliché,—but at this moment – I believe that these basic needs of building strong, productive and trusting relationships need to be my immediate priority,” said Stewart. “Our shared longer term priority will always be to student success – students learning English for the first time, students planning to enter the workforce or students matriculating to four-year institutions.  This is the remarkable beauty of the community college and the work that we do here at the College of DuPage.”

Stewart’s ascendency comes after Joseph Collins’ Oct. 31 letter seeking a retirement on Jan. 1, 2017.

Stewart previously served as the dean of the business and technology division at COD. She brings over 30 years of experience as an adjunct instructor, a tenured full professor, associate dean (University of Wisconsin comprehensive campus) and dean at COD.

Stewart is now in the echelon of power when it comes to driving the college’s academic policies and coordinating efforts to have COD keep on par with developments in higher education. She will be responsible for stepping up efforts to have more transfer agreements to the already existing 3+1, 2+2, and reverse transfer agreements with other 4-year baccalaureate-granting institutions.

“Paving seamless pathways for continued academic pursuits is critical to our students’ long-term goal achievement,” said Stewart. “Through our efforts to develop these types of agreements, students are able to develop their academic plans with the certainty that their academic progress and success will be fully reflected when they matriculate to our partner schools.  This is good for us, good for our partner institutions and great for our students.”

The state’s budget stalemate has seen a decreased contribution to COD and a dormant status of existing state-funded programs. In the face of those budget challenges, Stewart may need to prioritize future academic offerings at the school.

“I believe that we are committed to meeting the needs of the district and recognize that some programs will need more financial support than others,” continued Stewart. “We have a very inclusive process for determining resource allocation that allows for input from many voices—and that focuses on meeting the mission of the college.”

The college has so far reacted positively to this situation by increasing its support for instruction and academic support. COD continues to add new academic programs to attract students and community members, while grants given to the college or secured through the foundation aid other academic research opportunities.

Stewart climbs the college’s organizational hierarchy just months after key changes were made in the cabinet. In her role, she has to effectively manage deans under her watch to contribute to the overall success of the college.

Meanwhile, Collins, the outgoing vice president who is credited for effectively managing the college during its rough days is set to leave on Dec. 30. He expressed his satisfaction about the strive the college has made and wished the entire college community well.

“I feel very fortunate to have spent the last 12 years of my career at College of DuPage,” said Collins. The times were very interesting, to say the least. I truly appreciate the people who offered me sincere words of encouragement during my tenure as the interim president. I think COD is a special place, and I am glad to see that things have settled down. I will miss so many people here, but it is time for me to move on. I know the College will continue to prosper for years to come.”

Stewart’s tenure ends on June 30, 2017.