FREEPORT, IL — Highland Community College is proud to announce Trustee Shawn Boldt has been elected Vice President of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA), a statewide organization representing all 48 community college districts and more than 400,000 students across Illinois. His election took place during the ICCTA’s annual convention, held June 5–7 in Bloomington, Illinois.
Boldt’s election to this prominent role continues a strong legacy of leadership and advocacy on behalf of community colleges at both the state and national levels. As Vice President, he is now in line to serve as the association’s President in 2026.
“Shawn’s dedication to the mission of community colleges is inspiring,” said Highland Community College President Chris Kuberski. “His leadership is rooted in firsthand experience as a student, a parent, and a trustee—and his dedication and advocacy will benefit students and institutions across the state.”
In his new role, Boldt will support and collaborate with trustees from every Illinois community college.
“By working together, we are able to share best practices and procedures as we grow the entire Illinois system, while also learning from each other’s challenges,” he said.
In the coming year, Boldt explained he’s most eager to advocate in Springfield for legislative approval of four-year baccalaureate degrees at community colleges.
“This would be incredibly beneficial for Highland, our local workforce, and the statewide economy.”
He also remains focused on improving equity in state funding and restoring community college funding to its originally intended levels.
While Boldt’s work with ICCTA reflects Highland’s commitment to advancing access, innovation, and support for students, his role as a local representative remains his top priority.
Boldt said, “I believe that service to the ICCTA and growing the sustainable strength of the organization is important, but we must serve as local trustees first. Suicide prevention, mental health, access for disabled students, technology training, and course access in rural areas are just as important as other policy issues we face.”
In addition to his new ICCTA role, Boldt also serves as Central Region Director for the national Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), representing institutions in 10 states and parts of Canada.
Boldt previously served as Treasurer and Regional Co-Chair of the ICCTA and brings a wide range of civic and nonprofit leadership experience, including 14 years on the Freeport City Council. A proud community college graduate, he is also the parent of two community college graduates.
Boldt currently serves as Immanuel Lutheran School’s Athletic Director.
Always an active member of the community, he previously served on the Board of Directors for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the former Stephenson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency and the former Northwest Illinois Development Alliance (NIDA).
For more information on Highland’s Board of Trustees, visit www.highland.edu.