James Meyer: 2025 candidate for Harper College Board

Bio

Office sought: Harper College District 512 board (Vote for 2)

City: Palatine

Age: 66

Occupation: Retired higher education executive

Previous offices held: None

Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I am deeply committed to the transformative power of education and the vital role Harper plays in our community. With over 20 years of leadership experience in higher education, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can contribute meaningfully to the success of the college and its students.

I also recognize that Harper College is more than just an educational institution; it is a critical resource for workforce development, lifelong learning, and community enrichment. I want to ensure that Harper continues to provide accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to achieve their goals and strengthens our local economy.

What motivates me most is the opportunity to give back and make a lasting impact. I believe my experience working with institutions of all sizes, including community colleges, as well as my strategic and collaborative approach to problem-solving, uniquely position me to help guide Harper College through the challenges and opportunities ahead.

In tough economic times, many students (and working professionals) turn to a community college for its educational value. How do you ensure that a person’s financial sacrifice results in an educational benefit?

I would focus on four areas. 1.) Financial Aid and Scholarships: I am committed to building on Harper College's success in financial aid by expanding programs like the Finish Line Grant to help students overcome financial hurdles and complete their degrees. 2.) Career-Relevant Programs: I would enhance vocational training and industry partnerships to equip students with the skills local employers need, boosting employability and demonstrating a clear return on investment. 3.) Support Services: Providing robust counseling, advising, and student support services is essential to help students achieve their academic goals and make the most of their time at Harper. 4.) Transparency and Accountability: Regularly assessing program effectiveness and clearly communicating with students about how their financial sacrifices contribute to their educational outcomes is vital.

How would you describe the state of your college’s finances? What issues will your district have to confront in coming years and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?

Harper College's finances are strong, with a $14.8 million surplus in FY2024 due to strong revenue performance, including increased tuition and fees, and property tax revenues. However, the college may face challenges in the coming years with uncertainties from Illinois state funding and the potential elimination of the U.S. Department of Education.

To address these challenges, I support measures like maintaining a balanced budget within the Tax-Capped Funds and limiting reliance on state funding. Harper College should continue to prioritize cost-effective operations and explore additional revenue streams, such as investments and grants.

Regarding potential cuts, any reductions should focus on wasteful administrative expenses and executive employee perks, rather than academic programs. I would consider reducing administrative overhead freeing up millions of dollars to support program costs. If new revenue is needed, tax increases should be a last resort.

What are three specific nonfinancial challenges your community college will have to face in the next four years and what are your thoughts about how each should be addressed?

1.) Student Retention and Completion: It's vital to keep students enrolled and ensure they complete their programs. At Harper College, we should enhance support services like academic advising, tutoring, and mentorship programs.

2.) Technological Advancements: Staying current with rapidly evolving technology, including AI, is essential for a modern education. Harper College should invest in up-to-date technology and provide training for both students and faculty. This includes expanding online learning options and integrating new tools into the classroom to enhance the learning experience.

3.) Legislative Changes: SB 2482 and HB 3717 propose amending the PCCA to allow community colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs. Other states have seen great success with this initiative. However, specific accreditation requirements must be met. I bring extensive knowledge in the criteria for Accreditation and the Substantive Change Approval process.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions of your school board.

As a former member of the executive leadership team at the Higher Learning Commission, I have extensive experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including state governments and federal agencies. My approach in a group setting is to thoroughly understand the issues at hand and remain open to diverse perspectives. This inclusive style fosters a collaborative environment where all voices are heard, leading to well-rounded decisions.

In the context of the Harper College Board of Trustees, this approach will be effective in producing thoughtful actions and decisions. By engaging with fellow trustees, faculty, and students, I aim to build consensus around policies that support student success and institutional excellence.

My experience navigating complex regulatory environments will also help ensure that our decisions align with state and federal requirements, ultimately benefiting Harper College and its community.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

The biggest difference between myself and the other candidates is my extensive executive leadership experience in higher education. I bring 11 years of experience as the ACIO for the Illinois Institute of Technology, where I worked closely with academic and administrative leaders to support strategic initiatives that enhanced student success and institutional effectiveness.

I also served for four years as the Chief Information Officer for the Higher Learning Commission, which is the accrediting body for Harper College. This role allowed me to develop a deep understanding of accreditation standards, compliance, policy, and best practices for ensuring quality in higher education.

In addition to these leadership roles, I consulted for several community colleges, gaining valuable insights into their unique challenges and opportunities. This diverse experience has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the academic and administrative processes that drive institutional success.

What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

As a candidate for Harper College Trustee, I propose leveraging unused classroom space by leasing it to other public and private universities for extension campuses. This approach would benefit District 512 residents by allowing them to attend university classes at Harper, eliminating the need for lengthy commutes.

By partnering with other institutions, Harper College can enhance its role as a community hub, foster academic collaboration, and generate additional revenue. This initiative aligns with Harper's existing rental facilities strategy.

By optimizing space utilization, we can create a more inclusive and accessible educational environment while supporting local economic growth.