Office Location Determined, then Changed

(NOTE: The reference to “Junior College” preceded the use of “Community College” and is reflective of the historical period of the following information)

At its fourth meeting in June, the Board considered leasing the former Hamer property, 307 Jackson Street, Woodstock, as office space for $175 per month. The home had been purchased by attorneys and turned into offices. The need for office furniture and utilities was handled by the committee of Mrs. Joan Hill, Cal Skinner, Sr., and Thomas Parsley. The Board hoped to hold its fifth meeting on July 13^th in the “new” office facilities.

But, first, a routine zoning change was required. Initially, the building’s owners believed a zoning change was not needed since the building would be used for educational purposes.

Woodstock City officials differed and a zoning hearing was conducted to consider rezoning the property from residential to office. Residents surrounding the Hamer property strongly opposed the use of the building for offices and expressed these concerns to the Woodstock Zoning Board at a public hearing. As a result, the Junior College Board was again seeking office space after the Zoning Board denied the rezoning request.

Presidential Qualifications

Another important issue engaging the board was the qualifications for a college president. The committee of Dr. A. D. Leschuck and Thomas Parsley provided the following objective: “We are seeking to obtain a president who will supply strong educational leadership to the college such as his recommendation on future plans and possibly to implement plans which may have already crystallized.”

“Many qualifications can be considered such as academic training, experience in junior colleges or elsewhere, personal characteristics, educational and business administrative philosophy and know-how.”

Board President Nichols added, “The College President needs to be a man with patience, a man with ideas, and a man with determination.”

The Board was adamant the person chosen have a Doctorate, although age was not a great factor in determining the right man. They also wanted an individual who would support a flexible program encompassing both academic and vocational courses. The Board also felt the President should be a part of the decision-making process concerning a permanent college campus.

These criteria and other pertinent facts were crafted into a brochure for prospective applicants. The Board hoped to have a President for the college by September 1.

Where did the College Board eventually call home? Find out in my next blog.

Summer, Fall Anniversary Activities Underway

Join us for ongoing 40^th Anniversary celebrations, including posting your memories and photos on our electronic time capsule and MCC blog. Links and event details are posted at http://www.mchenry.edu/mcanniversary. Pages will change regularly, so visit often! You also can call toll-free 1-866-788-9911 or send an email with contact information to 40years@mchenry.edu for more information.

Iris Bryan