Parkland College Outstanding Faculty, Staff Honored

Trustees also renew contracts for key administrators at Wednesday meeting

The Parkland College Board of Trustees recently honored faculty and staff members earning 2019 state and national awards for outstanding service.

At its monthly meeting Wednesday, the board also renewed contracts for two key administrators.

In his report for trustees, Derrick Baker, dean of learning support, presented plaques for outstanding service in 2019 to the following Parkland College faculty and staff:

• Jessica Jackson, academic success coach, Center for Academic Success: Parkland College Staff Green Award (<5 Years of Service)

• Jody Littleton, associate professor in communication: Illinois Community College Trustees Association Full-time Outstanding Faculty Award Nominee 

• Jessie McClusky-Gilbert, program manager of professional development, Community Education: Parkland College Staff Gold Award (5+ Years of Service)

• Laura O'Connor, associate professor in English: Parkland College Teaching Excellence Award

• Laura O'Donnell, instructor in art and design, Illinois Community College Trustees Association Part-time Outstanding Faculty Award Nominee  

Also during the meeting, trustees renewed employment contracts through June 2022 for Pamela Lau, vice president for academic services and Michael Trame, vice president for student services. 

Trustees also approved the following:

• plans initiating the request of Resource Allocation Management Program funds to build a new $22.2 million Physical Sciences Training Center at the main campus. The additional 27,000 square feet of space would lie adjacent to the L wing, allowing for expanding enrollment in chemistry, biology, health professions and other STEM-related programs. Under RAMP stipulations, Parkland must fund 25 percent of the cost, or approximately $5.5 million. Trustees have retained IGW Architects of Urbana to assist in preparing the RAMP submission to the Illinois Community College Board.

• agreement with AT&T to install two wireless small cell sites on Parkland's campus, accepting an annual payment of $4,800 to cover expenses.

• the bid from Boley’s A-Z Cleaning of Urbana for janitorial services for the Institute of Aviation, $36,000.

• exempt purchases:

  • aviation ramp services  from Flightstar, Savoy, $69,000;

  • aircraft maintenance services from Flightstar, Savoy, $280,000;

  • aviation fuel from Avfuel Corp. of Ann Arbor, Mich., $225,000;

  • an International Harvester combine from Birkey’s Farm Store of Urbana, $36,000;

  • white paper from Veritiv Operating Company of Morton, Ill, $25,320;

  • tractor trailer driving services from Rock Gate Capital, DBA 160 Driving Academy of Evanston, Ill., $550,000;

  • medical coding and billing training services from Condensed Curriculum International of Fairfield, N.J., $25,000;

  • training materials and assessment services from SDI of Champaign, $30,000;

  • classroom and lobby furniture from KI, Inc. of Green Bay, Wisc., $74,200.

• reappointment of Meyer Capel as legal counsel for the board for FY 2020, $250 monthly retainer.

• personnel appointments:

  • Justin Kuey, Certified Flight Instructor, Institute of Aviation

  • Jake Fredericks, Certified Flight Instructor, Institute of Aviation

  • Gwen Smith, Senior Accountant, Business Office

  • Joshua Pratt, Custodian, Physical Plant