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Community Advisory Board Establishes Mission
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The College hosted the inaugural meeting of its Community Advisory Board on January 13.The Board was created to provide a mechanism for effective communication between the community and the College and to identify and advance mutually beneficial partnerships. Over 20 community leaders gathered and exchanged ideas with Dean Olson on how the College can better meet the needs of the community as well as on opportunities for students and faculty in community organizations. "The University is trying to break down walls and reach out to the Bloomington-Normal community," said President Bowman, an ex-officio member of the Board, in his official welcome to the Board. "We'd like your input on how we're doing."

Board members shared several ways they felt that Community/College relations could be strengthened, including the development of community mentors for new College faculty, increased credit in the tenure and promotion process for faculty service in the community, and the provision of expanded opportunities for both students and faculty to participate in formal internships, research projects, and volunteer work throughout the community. The Board also discussed ways in which College curriculum could be expanded to better meet the needs of organizations within the community. "College of Arts and Sciences faculty bring an entirely different perspective to the operations of community businesses and organizations—one which is valuable," said Greg Cott, Chair of the United Way. "However, often faculty do not feel comfortable reaching out and placing themselves in that setting. Perhaps this Board can facilitate faculty outreach."

The Board concluded its business by electing officers. Retired Circuit Court Judge Chuck Witte was elected to serve as chair. "Judge Witte is a respected member of the community, a loyal alum of Illinois State, a former student leader as an undergraduate, and a dedicated former member of the Illinois State University Foundation Board of Directors," wrote Justice James A. Knecht in a letter nominating Witte. Carol Struck, Owner of About Books, was elected to serve as Vice Chair.



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