THE PRESIDENT OF PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE TALKS ABOUT HIS VISION FOR COLLEGE

Dr. Michael Anthony – Dr. Michael Anthony is the President of Prairie State College. He has served in this capacity since October 2021. Photo provided by Prairie State College.
Dr. Michael Anthony – Dr. Michael Anthony is the President of Prairie State College. He has served in this capacity since October 2021. Photo provided by Prairie State College.

THE PRESIDENT OF PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE TALKS ABOUT
HIS VISION FOR COLLEGE

BY TIA CAROL JONES 

Michael D. Anthony, Ph.D., has been the president of Prairie State College since October 2021. Anthony is also the first Black president of the College. Dr. Anthony’s undergraduate experience at North Carolina
State University set the tone for his career in higher education. His
last year there, he was the student government president and a board
of trustee member.

He remembers being with the board members and learning that there were professionals in higher education as a career. His mentor told him to get a Master’s Degree in higher education and that’s what he did.

Anthony’s career has taken him from North Carolina to the Northern Suburbs of Chicago to Minnesota and now to Prairie State, in the South Suburbs of Chicago.

Anthony applied for the President position after being in higher education for 16-17 years. He realized for the next leg of his career, he wanted to be in the President position.

“I like the perspective of being in an organization where I can really move the organizational pieces around to leverage human talent to create great outcomes for students. I knew at Prairie State there is so much opportunity to do that,” Anthony said.

Anthony wanted to be a part of the community and shaping what’s next for Prairie State College. He compares the presidency to having children. You can read all the books, talk to people, but it is very unexpected. It has been a humbling, challenging, and rewarding experience for him so far. It is amazing for Anthony to be in a place where he can do so much in a way that is collaborative and collegial.

Anthony’s vision for the college is one that is shared among everyone at Prairie State College. He talks about pioneering into the future. He likes to look at his vision as one that boosts enrollment around its high school population, as well as the adult population, reengaging parents, veterans, returning professionals, career changers and adult population. Part of that involves focusing on short-term credentials and licenses, programs that can be completed in as little as six weeks to two years. Another part of the vision is to make Prairie State College a beacon, not only for the Southland, but a Regional and National model for educating economically diverse and ethnically diverse populations of students.

Anthony also wants to ensure Prairie State College is less of a hidden gem and moves to the forefront when people think about higher education in the Southland. “Part of my vision is to make sure Prairie State is seen
and recognized as this incredible asset for our community and for the region,” he said.

Anthony wants people to take a look at Prairie State College for short-term experiences such as a family night out at an athletics game, or the music and arts resources. Also to visit the library or host conferences at one of the college's event spaces.

For more information about Prairie State College, visit www.prairiestate.edu.

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