1967
Earns a Bachelor of Science Degree from Illinois State University.
1967
Teaches middle school at Bluff View Park School within East St. Louis School District 189.
1968
Earns a Master of Science Degree from Southern Illinois University.
1968
Teaches sixth grade at Abraham Lincoln School within Belleville School District 118.
1970
Becomes principal of Abraham Lincoln School within Belleville School District 118.
1976
Earns an Education Specialist Degree from Southern Illinois University.
1976
Becomes superintendent of Belleville School District 118.
1978
Named as the Illinois Outstanding Young Executive by the Illinois Jaycees.
1982
Earns a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from St. Louis University.
1983
Presented Excellence Award for leadership as superintendent by the Illinois State Board of Education.
1986
Named as one of the nation’s five outstanding educators by the National Congress of Parents and Teachers.
1988
Becomes college president of Southwestern Illinois College.
1991
Received the Carol Kimmel Community Service Award from Southern Illinois University.
1995
Received Shirley B. Gordon Award by Phi Theta Kappa for outstanding leadership as community college president.
1997
Inducted into the College of Education Hall of Fame at Illinois State University.
1997
Becomes president and CEO of the Illinois Community College Board.
1999
Earns Honorary Degrees from Morraine Valley Community College and Elgin Community College.
2002
Receives Meritorious Service Award by Illinois Community College Trustees for outstanding contributions to community college education.
2003
Presented the Illinois Adult and Continuing Educators Presidents Award for impact upon adult education.
2004
Becomes chairperson of the School of Education and dean of the Graduate School at McKendree University until 2017.