Harper College's president, along with faculty and staff, were honored at the Illinois
Community College Trustees Association's annual convention. Pictured (from left) are
Student Trustee Ben Vergara Parra, Board Chair Bill Kelley, Trustee Dr. Bijal Chaturvedi,
Professor Margaret Bilos, Adjunct Instructor Mary Horstman, Executive Assistant Colleen
Rice, President Dr. Avis Proctor, Chief of Staff Jeff Julian and Trustee James Meyer.
Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Harper College, has received the 2026 Advocacy Award from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, recognizing her leadership and advocacy on behalf of students, Harper College and the Illinois community college system.
The award honors Dr. Proctor’s work to advance student success, strengthen collaboration across the state’s community colleges and support policies that expand access, affordability and opportunity for Illinois students.
In her role as chair of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents, Dr. Proctor has worked with presidents from across the state to advance shared priorities including dual credit quality, transfer alignment, common course numbering, workforce development, student pathways and community college baccalaureate opportunities.
“Advocacy for community colleges is shared work,” Dr. Proctor said. “It requires alignment, persistence, collaboration and a deep belief in the students and communities we serve.”
For Dr. Proctor, that work begins with students — from high school students earning dual credit, to adult learners returning to the classroom, to students preparing to transfer or pursue credentials that lead to family-sustaining careers.
“Those students are why this work matters,” she said.
Patricia Murphy, ICCTA president and trustee at Moraine Valley Community College, praised Dr. Proctor’s leadership and commitment to expanding educational opportunity across Illinois.
“It has been my absolute pleasure to work in collaboration with Dr. Avis Proctor who lives and breathes advocacy for student success,” Murphy said. “She has been a tireless and visionary advocate for expanding educational opportunities in Illinois. Through her leadership and the theme of ‘working together,’ she has united educators, employers, trustees and policymakers around a shared goal of creating affordable pathways to bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields.”
Murphy said Dr. Proctor’s commitment to collaboration, workforce development and equitable access to higher education has been instrumental in advancing the Community College Baccalaureate initiative and “bringing Illinois closer to expanding opportunity for students across our state.”
“My sincere congratulations to Dr. Proctor on her well-deserved, hard-earned ICCTA Advocacy Award,” Murphy said.
Dr. Proctor also emphasized the importance of developing the next generation of community college leaders through statewide efforts such as the Community College Leadership Academy and the Illinois Aspiring Leaders Academy.
“Advocacy is not only about the policies we shape today,” she said. “It is also about building the leadership capacity our system will need tomorrow.”
Three Harper College employees also were recognized as nominees for ICCTA awards.
Colleen Rice was nominated for the Professional Board Staff Member Award, which recognizes exemplary professional service to an Illinois community college board.
Margaret Bilos was nominated for the Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member Award, which honors achievement among Illinois community college faculty.
Mary Horstman was nominated for the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member Award, which recognizes high achievement among the state’s part-time community college faculty. instructors.
Dr. Proctor said the recognitions reflect Harper’s commitment to service, teaching excellence and student success.
“Colleen, Margaret and Mary represent the dedication and professionalism that make Harper such a strong institution,” she said. “Their work supports our students and employees, our trustees and our broader college community, and we are proud to see them recognized by the ICCTA.”
Dr. Proctor and the Harper nominees were honored at the ICCTA’s 2026 Annual Convention on June 5.