Harper College Board of Trustees announces vacancy following resignation of Chair Bill Kelley

Harper College has announced a vacancy on its Board of Trustees following the resignation of Chair Bill Kelley, effective August 7, 2026. A practicing attorney for more than 45 years, Kelley is stepping away in advance of his appointment as a 13^th Subcircuit judge of the Cook County Circuit Court.

Kelley was elected to the Harper College Board of Trustees in 2003 before being re-elected to three additional six-year terms, serving as board chair since 2023. A Harper alumnus, he has been a stalwart advocate for Harper College and its students for decades.

“Bill has led the Board of Trustees with integrity, vision and an unwavering commitment to Harper College’s students and mission,” Vice Chair Walt Mundt said. “His thoughtful leadership has helped guide Harper through an important period of progress and opportunity. We are grateful for his decades of service, passion for education and outstanding advocacy for Harper College – within our community and beyond.”

The Harper College Board of Trustees will appoint a person to fill the vacant trustee position. That individual will serve through the April 2027 board meeting and will be succeeded by the individual elected in the April 6, 2027, election. The appointee is eligible to run for the seat in that election.

Learn more about Harper’s Board of Trustees.