Jamie Craven has been named the new Kishwaukee College Foundation Board President. He was selected by the Foundation Board and will serve in the role of President for two years. The Kishwaukee College Foundation helps shape the future and enhance the development of students, programs, faculty, and facilities at Kishwaukee College through donations.
Jamie’s background in education is robust; he currently serves as the superintendent of DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 and previously served as superintendent at Rochelle Township High School, a position he held since July 2007. Jamie is also current President of the Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC) Governing Board.
Reflecting on his past experiences, Jamie noted, “everything I’ve been part of has been student or community focused. I see the Foundation as a way to help those in the Kish footprint.” Jamie has also served as the Vice President of the Ogle County Educational Cooperative, Vice President of the Ogle County Juvenile Justice Council Executive Board, and Steering Committee member of the Ogle/DeKalb Workforce Development Consortium, among many other community focused positions.
As an active member of the community over the past 24 years, Jamie has seen the impact of the College’s relationship with the students he’s worked with. He recalled Kish’s longstanding relationships with DeKalb, Rochelle, and area other area schools, and reflected on his time at KEC, noting how the program helps meet unique student ambitions as early as high school. These types of experiences have made him an advocate for education with a passion for developing people.
“I always say, our job is to prepare students for their tomorrow; every students’ tomorrow looks different,” Jamie affirmed, “we have to have educational programming that can meet those different tomorrows.”
Through his role as President of the Foundation, he hopes to expand the opportunities that the Foundation provides, bridging the gap for students who may not be able to get to college without financial assistance. “Our vision for the future of the Foundation is to continue being in a position where we can help students in need make college a reality,” he commented.
“As the chair of the KEC board, superintendent of DeKalb School District, and longtime resident of the region, Jamie is in a unique position to bring valuable leadership to the Foundation Board,” commented Bill Nicklas, Executive Director of the Kishwaukee College Foundation. He continued, “We’re delighted to have Jamie serve as Foundation President.”
Jamie received his Educational Specialist Degree from Western Illinois University, Master Degree in Education from Northern Illinois University, Master Degree in Exercise Science from Eastern Illinois University, and Bachelor Degree from Millikin University. He and his wife Jodee live in DeKalb with their four daughters.
For more information on the Kishwaukee College Foundation and giving opportunities, contact Christie Kyler at 815-825-9507 or at ckyler@kish.edu
Photo Caption: Jamie Craven has been named the new Kishwaukee College Foundation Board President.
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