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Heartland Community College

Heartland Community College District 540 Board of Trustees

  • Term ends: 2027

    Email: Rebecca.Ropp@heartland.edu
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    Becky graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Communications. She earned her MBA with an emphasis in Marketing from Illinois State University. Becky started her career at GROWMARK first as an intern in the Corporate Communications area then full time in the Marketing Communications area as an Advertising Coordinator. She has served many roles for the company since and was named the Director Director of Compliance and Employee Relations in 2022.

    In her personal life, Becky is in partnership with her husband Ken, their daughter Leah, and her in-laws Ray and Carol Ropp in their dairy farm and cheese manufacturing and marketing LLC named Ropp Jersey Cheese. She has served on the HCC Board since being appointed in 2014. Becky completed 4 hours of Leadership Training in 2021.

  • Term ends: 2025

    Email: Janet.Hood@heartland.edu 

    Janet Hood was selected to fill a vacancy on the Heartland Community College (HCC) Board of Trustees in 2017. She won election in 2019. In 2020, Janet was elected Vice Chair of the Board. She has served on the Finance Committee since 2017 and was appointed committee chair in 2020. Janet also served as a member of the HCC Presidential Search Committee in 2017-2018 and President of the HCC Alumni Association from 2012-2014. She has served the Illinois Community College Trustees Association in several roles, including East Central Region Chair (2021-2023), chair of the Government Relations and Public Policy Committee (2023-2024), and currently as Treasurer.

    Janet, a longtime resident of Normal, has worked for several healthcare and human service organizations in central Illinois. Janet received an AA Degree from Heartland Community College, a BS in Organizational Leadership from Eureka College, Eureka, IL, and an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IN. She is an American College of Health Care Executives Fellow. Janet’s current community involvement, in addition to Heartland Community College, includes the Eureka College Alumni Board of Directors and other area boards and committees.

  • Term ends: 2029

    Email: Mary.Campbell@heartland.edu

    Mary Campbell was elected to the HCC Board of Trustees in 2017.  She completed 4 hours of Leadership Training in 2017, 2019 and 2021.  Mary was a faculty member at Illinois State University School of Social Work from 1980-2010. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Ohio University and Masters in Social Work from Ohio State. 

    Mary’s current community involvement includes:  Co-Director of Dreams Are Possible (2019-), LAMU Kenya Health Care Board (2013-), Multi- Cultural Leadership Project (Volunteer/Mentor/ Team Liaison) (2014-), Certified Master Naturalist through U of I Extension (2011-), and Center of Hope Food Pantry Volunteer (2014-).

    Mary has received numerous community and university awards including:  WJBC Spirit of McLean County, Outstanding Community Service Award , MCLP Volunteer Service Award, McLean County Bar Association, Service Award, Town of Normal Dr. Martin Luther King Award, YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, Citizen Advocate of the Year, Mental Health Association, McLean County, Outstanding University Teacher, Outstanding College of Arts and Science Teacher, Social Worker of the Year, State of Illinois, and Outstanding University Service Award for Faculty.

  • Term ends: 2027

    Email: Josh.Crockett@heartland.edu

    Mr. Crockett was elected in 2021. 

  • Term ends: 2025

    Email: jon.kilgore@heartland.edu

    Jon Kilgore is an accomplished and results-oriented
    educational leader with 23 years of experience in
    progressively responsible administrative roles across
    elementary, middle, and high school levels.

    Currently serving as Superintendent of Pontiac Township High School
    District #90, he has developed a proven track record of
    fostering academic excellence, innovation, and fiscal
    responsibility within thriving school communities.


    Mr. Kilgore's expertise spans budget management, collective
    bargaining, human resource administration, capital project
    oversight, community engagement, policy development,
    instructional leadership, and strategic grant acquisition. His
    leadership extends beyond his district, as evidenced by his
    significant contributions to numerous community
    organizations and his active involvement in statewide
    educational initiatives.


    Mr. Kilgore holds an Ed.S. in Educational Administration
    and Foundations from Illinois State University and has
    consistently demonstrated a commitment to creating
    dynamic learning environments that empower students and
    staff alike. Among his notable accomplishments are
    overseeing substantial facility improvements, implementing
    a county-wide broadband network to address digital equity,
    and seeking successful economic development initiatives.


    Mr. Kilgore is active across his community serving on
    various advisory boards, service organizations and
    professional associations reflecting his dedication to
    enhancing community services, practices, and outcomes
    especially those impacting youth and education.

  • Term ends: 2029

    Email: Cecelia.Long@heartland.edu

    Cecelia was elected to the Board in 2021 to finish the 2-year term left vacant by the passing of Gregg Chadwick. She worked at Heartland as a program developer to increase services and support to marginalized students and students in crises. In 2017, she helped Student Support Services launch a life coaching program to support high-risk students. During the pandemic in 2020, she worked with College administration to set up a crisis intake process and student emergency fund to help students struggling with barriers created by COVID-19.

    Cecelia is a community college alumna, graduating with with an A.S. in environmental sustainability. She also earned a B.S. in Intercultural & Interpersonal Communication and M.S. in Communication from Illinois State University, with a focus on poverty studies, community well-being, and collaborative leadership.

    Cecelia has served close to a decade in social services, working directly with a diversity of people in the area including in Unit 5 and District 87 school systems, in mental health and crisis response, homeless services and housing issues, and with students at Heartland and Illinois State University. She is committed to advocating for students' and community members' unmet needs and uplifting their stories of struggle and achievement to better inform board decisions. Cecelia completed 4 hours of Leadership Training in 2021.

  • Term ends: 2025

    Email: Thomas.Whitt@heartland.edu

    Thomas Whitt was elected to the Board in 2019. He completed 4 hours of Leadership Training in 2019 and 2021. He is a graduate of Michigan State University with a BA in Political Science and also earned an Associate's Degree in Radiologic Technology from Lake Michigan College (Benton Harbor, MI.) Residing in Bloomington with his wife, Rachel and daughter Ramona, Thomas is a CT Technologist at OSF St. Joseph Hospital.

  • Term ends: 2025

    Email:  Auston.Koch@heartland.edu 

     

    Auston Koch is a freshman at HCC where he studies business and plays for Heartland’s soccer team. Inspired by his mother's belief in his innate leadership potential, Auston has long felt drawn to student government. While unable to participate in SGA in high school due to his demanding schedule, he found a perfect opportunity to run for Student Trustee while at Heartland. Auston’s previous leadership experience includes being captain of the soccer team, a Boys State participant, and a member of the Special Olympics Unified Cup team. Committed to serving the Heartland student body, Auston's primary objective in student government is clear: to advocate for the wellbeing and advancement of every student while implementing meaningful and transformative initiatives.

Board Policy

View the Board Policy (PDF).

HCC's trustees are elected to serve six-year terms.

Administrative Standards

Administrative Standards Manual (PDF)

Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule

The Board meets on the third Tuesday of the month.
The Finance Committee meets preceeding the Board Meeting.

Annual Notice of Regular Meetings

Board Meeting Schedule, links to agendas and minutes
Date, Time, Location, Agenda & Minutes (PDFs)
July 16, 2024; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
5:00 pm Board Retreat & Dinner; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
August 20, 2024; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)

September 17, 2024; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)

October 15, 2024; HCCL, 2201 Woodlawn, Lincoln
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Dinner; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)

November 19, 2024; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
December 10, 2024; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
5:00 pm Special Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)

December 17, 2024; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)

January 3, 2025; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal 
3:00 pm Board Candidate Orientation; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)

January 7, 2025; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
6:00 pm Special Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)

January 21, 2025; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal 
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
February 18, 2025; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
March 18, 2025; HCCP, 211 E. Madison, Pontiac
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
April 22, 2025; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
May 20, 2025; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
June 17, 2025; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
July 15, 2025; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
5:00 pm Board Retreat & Dinner; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
August 19, 2025; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
September 16, 2025; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
October 21, 2025; HCCL, 2201 Woodlawn, Lincoln
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Dinner; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
November 18, 2025; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
December 16, 2025; 1500 W. Raab Rd., Normal
3:30 pm Finance Committee; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
5:00 pm Board Workshop; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)
6:00 pm Board Meeting; Agenda (PDF); Minutes (PDF)