The sudden loss of longtime College of DuPage (COD) staff member, Maren McKellin, prompted tributes from colleagues during public comment at a recent Board of Trustees meeting on April 16. Speakers reflected on her long-lasting impact on students and the campus; this was among one of the pressing topics discussed at the April board meeting.
Multiple speakers honored McKellin, describing her as a central figure in campus life and highlighting her decades of service and leadership in the Field Studies and Study Abroad program. McKellin was a COD alumna who began as a student and was involved in COD’s newspaper, The Courier, before building a career at the college. Colleagues emphasized her lasting impact on students and staff and have opened a scholarship in her name. Associate Vice President of Academic Partnerships and Learning Resources Tamara McClain described what McKellin was like and her impact on the college.
“[Maren McKellin] was that ‘hey, girl, hey,’ that was larger than life, whose smile and warm personality captured the hearts of so many but also stood on the core values of this college and advocated on principles that she was passionate about,” McClain said.
Other speakers expressed ongoing concerns regarding a staff member who has been placed on paid leave. Scott Campbell, vice president of the full-time faculty association (CODFA), mentioned that while there was an investigation into the leave, many questions remain unanswered. Melissa Mouritsen, a political science professor, called for a new investigation into the previous one, highlighting that the administration believes there may have been an internal error and wishes to have it reviewed.
Danna Gonzalez was sworn in as student trustee during the board’s latest meeting, formally beginning her term representing students at the board level. The meeting also included updates to the board’s leadership, with trustees renewing leadership roles for the coming year. Christine Fenne was re-elected as board chair and will serve in the role through the next organizational meeting in April 2027. Florence Appel was selected as vice chair for the same term, while Andrew Mano was confirmed as board secretary.
The meeting also marked the final day of service for the student trustee Isabella “Luna” Escobar, who was formally recognized by the board before the transition of the role. Moments later, the position was passed to Gonzalez, who stepped forward to take the oath of office and officially begin her term.
Gonzalez pledged to carry out her duties in accordance with the COD’s mission. As student trustee, she will represent student interests and participate in board discussions and decisions that affect campus policies, programs and finances.
Several recognitions followed, including the winners of the 2025-2026 All College Outstanding Faculty Award. Students and faculty nominate recipients, and the award is given to one full-time faculty member and one part-time faculty member from across the college.
Adjunct faculty winner, Amy Wasco, was nominated by students who stated she demonstrates excellence in teaching by consistently going above and beyond for her EMT students. Full-time faculty recipient Robert Plank, a computer and information technology professor, was recognized by students as a trusted source for positive change on campus , He was also acknowledged for obtaining his bus driver’s license so his students could attend all field trips.
Trustees also reviewed proposed sabbatical leave projects for the 2026–2027 academic year, highlighting several faculty-led initiatives aimed at improving student learning and expanding academic opportunities. Projects include the development of a pre-law pathway program designed to connect students to four-year institutions and law school, as well as new efforts focused on media literacy, Artificial Intelligence in language learning and strategies to improve success in math courses.
The board recognized student achievements, including the success of the horticulture students at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC), where the team placed third among community colleges and 11th overall out of 54 colleges.
Trustees also received a presentation on the ALEKS PPL math placement testing, outlining how students are assessed and placed into math courses. The discussion emphasized the role placement plays in determining students’ academic pathways and progression through required coursework, which can directly affect course selection, time to completion and overall academic planning.
Presenter and math professor Jaqueline Kraus noted that placement decisions can determine how quickly students are able to move through degree requirements and transfer pathways. To improve the process, the math department is expanding placement options beyond the ALEKS test to include high school GPA, previous coursework, AP scores and ACT or SAT scores
The Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet again on Thursday, May 14, in the Student Service Center room 2200. Meetings are open to the public, providing students, faculty and community members the opportunity to attend. Agendas, supporting materials and additional meeting details are posted in advance on the COD website.
