FLOSSMOOR RESIDENT SEEKS PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEE SEAT

Monica Gordon, director of government affairs and community relations at Chicago State University, wants to bring her expertise in education and economic development to Prairie State College. Gordon is running for a seat on the Board of Trustees for Prairie State College, Illinois Community College District 515. Photo provided by Monica Gordon
Monica Gordon, director of government affairs and community relations at Chicago State University, wants to bring her expertise in education and economic development to Prairie State College. Gordon is running for a seat on the Board of Trustees for Prairie State College, Illinois Community College District 515. Photo provided by Monica Gordon

 Flossmoor resident seeks Prairie State College Board of Trustee seat

BY TIA CAROL JONES
     Monica Gordon, director of government affairs and community relations at Chicago State University, has announced that she is running for a seat on the Board of Trustees for Prairie State College, Illinois Community College District 515.
     The election will take place on Tuesday, April 6.
     Gordon said during COVID-19, colleges and universities have seen enrollment decrease. She said that Prairie State College is an economic engine for the Southland. She said it is imperative to push the college towards economic community investment to see enrollment increase.
     “My unique platform is focused on economic development and higher education. Everything from workforce development, opportunities in logistics and manufacturing, trade opportunities,” she said.
     Reggie Greenwood, executive director of the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation, said
education is critical to the success of the Chicago Southland and the Prairie State School District.
     Greenwood said, with Amazon bringing facilities into the Southland, the Chicago Southland Economic Development
Corporation is discussing creating training programs for people within the region so they will be qualified for the jobs at the Amazon facilities. That includes training in mechanic and electrical training. He said Prairie State College can invest more heavily in education and economic development programs.
     “Monica has the expertise to make that happen,” he said. “I think she (Gordon) brings a unique history of experience and attributes that can be particularly valuable to this position.”
     Gordon said she is hoping to bring partnerships and apprenticeship opportunities to Prairie State College. And, she wants to build strategic partnerships to bring opportunities to the college. She said currently Prairie State College has workforce development partnerships.
     Gordon said her experience at Chicago State University has taught her how to use marketability to increase enrollment. She said a recent economic impact study showed that Chicago State University contributes $1.6 billion to the Illinois economy annually, which makes the graduates a driving force in the Illinois economy.
     Gordon also wants to create a relationship with the feeder high schools for Prairie State College. One thing she is looking to do is to create more dual enrollment programs between high
schools in the Southland and Prairie State College. “That would increase enrollment at the college the students are earning the credits from and that brings them one step closer to earning that degree,” she said.
     Andrea D. Bonds, president of Rich Township High School District 227, said the school district has always had a great relationship with Prairie State College. She said many of the district’s students participate in dual enrollment programs, and the goal is to have them workforce ready, or college ready.
     “I am looking forward to your successful candidacy and an increased partnership in what we are able to offer our students going forward,” she said.
     Gordon said during her Illinois State Senate run, her two top priorities were education and economic development. “I want to continue to push those priorities because they are the foundation of our community,” she said.
     Gordon said it is imperative that all students have an affordable and quality education. She said she is very passionate about education and her community, and it is why she feels she is a good fit for the role at Prairie State College.
“I would appreciate everyone’s support, but I would also appreciate everyone holding me to be accountable to the
things I stated I would do,” she said.

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