FREEPORT — Highland Community College Trustee Shawn Boldt has been elected to a national leadership role with the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT). Boldt was elected in October as Central Region director, serving community colleges in ten states and parts of Canada.
Boldt will serve a three-year term with the ACCT, a nonprofit that represents 6,500-plus community college trustees across over 1,200 North American community, technical and junior colleges. His post will empower connections among these institutions, as well as with lawmakers in Washington, D.C.
“The reason I wanted to become involved nationally is the amount of information and ideas that can be gleaned and brought back for use at Highland,” said Boldt. “These include best practices, ideas for emerging academic programs, grant opportunities and potential partnerships with other colleges.”
Boldt’s new appointment is a continuation of his extensive involvement with the ACCT, most recently on the Finance and Audit Committee and Member Communication and Education Committee. He was also elected to the state-level Illinois Community College Trustees Association board as treasurer in 2022, having previously held a role of regional co-chair for the ICCTA.
Boldt, who started his studies at a community college, has a lengthy legacy of civic involvement. Before his election to Highland’s governing board, he served on the Freeport City Council for 14 years. He has additionally held posts on the boards of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Northern Illinois Economic Development, and Immanuel Church and School.
As the ACCT’s Central Region director, Boldt will work to advocate for students and employees of the community college system by helping set legislative priorities. In turn, he will collaborate with educational institutions, and impact policy and budget decisions for the ACCT.
“I believe that service to the organization is important, but service to our students and staff must be paramount,” said Boldt. “As a product of a community college that launched my educational path, and now as a parent of two community college graduates and a student trustee, I have been able to benefit greatly from this system. Now, it is time to give back, ensure the future, and improve the community college experience for all.”