ICCTA Advocacy Award

2012 Recipient


Dr. Gayle Saunders
Richland Community College

Dr. Gayle Saunders has been inspiring and affecting the lives of Illinois community college students for close to 30 years.

"I've always been in education and loved to learn," she says. "I like seeing the light bulbs turn on for people (as they learn)."

Saunders is completing her 10th year as president of Richland Community College.


Dr. Gayle Saunders accepts ICCTA's 2012 Advocacy Award from ICCTA vice president Reggie Coleman.

Dr. Gayle Saunders accepts ICCTA's 2012 Advocacy Award from ICCTA vice president Reggie Coleman.

Under her leadership, Richland has produced record graduating classes in 2004 and 2011, opened five new campus buildings, and installed the first wind turbine on an Illinois community college campus. In addition, the number of RCC Foundation scholarships has increased from 50 to more than 500.

This year Saunders has tackled additional responsibilities as chair of the Illinois Presidents Council. She helped bring together representatives of ICCTA, the Presidents Council, the Illinois General Assembly, and the Governor's office to discuss pension reform and retiree health insurance.

Saunders has also led the Council's efforts to protect Monetary Award Program funding and improve articulation between community colleges and universities.


For additional information on ICCTA's Advocacy Award, please contactKim Villanuevaat 1-800-454-2282, ext. 1.