And now … we wait

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Colleagues,

Just like many of our students, I took my first steps onto our Riverfront Campus on Monday morning feeling a sense of anxiety about what we faced. Even though I knew our college community was well-prepared for our comprehensive evaluation, I couldn't overcome a few worries.

I opened the door from the Prairie Lot, walked down the hallway, and traversed our College Center on the way to my office. KCC's campus was as immaculate that day as it always is which made our recent renovations shine brighter than usual. I also greeted a few of you in the hallway, and you gave me the confident nod which said, “we got this.” 

By the time I'd reached my office that morning, all doubts and worries were dissolved. KCC was ready to shine and make a powerful impression on those five peer reviewers from our accrediting body. I couldn't wait for them to arrive and be impressed by the work that each of you do every day to enhance quality of life for our students and our community.

I couldn't be prouder of how you all rose to this challenge and told your stories with confidence and conviction. Early in our preparation, we committed to making this evaluation a celebration of our achievements. I've seen you all celebrate your successes in front of our visitors, and I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for how we performed during this evaluation.

Moments ago, we closed our final on-campus meeting with the peer review team, and I walked them to our front door. I don't know what their final report will say, but I'm confident that they leave Kankakee knowing that KCC is doing great things for the students we serve.

And now … we wait. 

Over the coming weeks, the peer review team will deliberate together as they draft our final report which will include a recommendation to the Higher Learning Commission. As we await these results, I hope you do so with the same feeling of accomplishment and pride that I have right now.

I'm proud of the work that we are doing. I'm proud of what KCC is accomplishing at this moment in our history. I'm proud of how you care so deeply for students' success. I'm proud to be a part of your team. I'm proud to be a Cavalier.