Prospectus

Issue date: 1/25/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Aaron Geiger

The Parkland College Board of Trustees voted to hire Dr. Thomas Ramage as president of Parkland College, during the board's January 16 meeting.

"For the past six months, Dr. Ramage has shown the leadership that allows Parkland College, its faculty and staff, to perform at the most effective levels," said Jim Ayers, chairman of the Parkland board.

"The Board of Trustees evaluated his performance on Saturday, January 12, 2008, and based on that evaluation the recommendation tonight (January 16) was to appoint him to the position permanently," he said.

"I am honored that the board has seen fit to place its trust in me, and I intend to continue the great work of this college," Dr. Ramage said.

"Parkland College-among the best in the nation-is blessed with an outstanding faculty, staff, administration, and Board of Trustees, and it enjoys tremendous support from the communities it serves."

Thomas Ramage joined Parkland College in July 1998 as chair of the Distance and Virtual Learning Department. In 2001, he was named associate vice president for Academic Services and later associate vice president for Information Services. He was named acting vice president for Academic and Student Services in July 2003 and vice president for Academic Services in July 2004.

Dr. Ramage earned a doctorate in Education with a specialization in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University in North Miami Beach, Florida in 2003. He earned a master's degree in Education and Human Development with a specialization in Educational Technology Leadership from The George Washington University in 1998. His doctoral research focused on cost-efficiency and return on investment of online programs.

Tom and his wife Michelle have been married for 16 years and have a son, Colin.

Welcome message from the president

"Parkland enjoys a 40-year reputation of excellence in Illinois as a leader in higher education, offering instruction in both campus-based and online formats. Our online home is an extension of the helpful, caring environment that surrounds you as you study here, and I invite you to explore these pages to learn more about the fine programs and services we offer our students.

"Our students have always awarded us high marks for the personal attention and quality instruction they receive here, and our 100+ transfer degree and career certificate programs have remained consistent with technology and workforce demands.

"You can continue to expect these high standards, as well as look forward to some exciting new initiatives during the school year. First, we will expand the capacity in our popular Health Professions programs, housing some of these programs in a proposed Health Professions Annex located in the Illinois Employment and Training facility on Mattis Avenue. Second, we plan to update our campus space to improve student surroundings. Finally, we will start the process of migrating to a new computer system for the college, one that will upgrade student admissions, class registration, student progress tracking towards graduation, and a host of other processes designed to improve and streamline your experience at Parkland College.

"Stop by and visit us, call us with questions, or email us-however you choose to contact us, just know that Parkland College is ready and able to help you reach your dreams."

Thomas Ramage, Ed. D.
President
Parkland College

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