Oakton named Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) Board Member College

Pictured (L-R): Stephanie Kelly, Ph.D., executive director, CCID; Katherine Schuster, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor and Global Studies Coordinator, Oakton; Lori Sundberg, DBA, President, Kirkwood Community College and CCID Executive Board chair; Linda Korbel, dean of Liberal Arts, Oakton; and Richard Johnson, Ph.D., director, Office of International Education, Harper College and CCID Senior International Officer Board chair.

Des Plaines, Ill. (March 28, 2022) – The Community Colleges for International Development’s (CCID) Executive Board voted to approve Oakton College as a Board Member College of the organization during their annual conference earlier this month in New Orleans, La.

As a Board Member College of CCID, Oakton will be part of the leadership of the premier, national, global studies professional association for community colleges. Oakton President Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., will have a seat on the Executive Board of CCID, and Katherine Schuster, Distinguished Professor of Education and Global Studies coordinator, will have a seat on the Senior International Officer (SIO) Board of CCID.

"Oakton has a long tradition of supporting international education and incorporating international perspectives into the Oakton experience," said President Smith. "Oakton's commitment to international education is reflected in our vision statement, which reads: 'Dedicated to teaching and learning, Oakton is a student-centered college known for academic rigor and high standards. Through exemplary teaching that relies on innovation and collaboration with our community partners, our students learn to think critically, solve problems, and to be ethical global citizens who shape the world. We are committed to diversity, cultural competence, and achieving equity in student outcomes.'"

“CCID member institutions play a vital role in promoting international education and facilitating global citizenship,” added Schuster. “An appreciation of international perspectives and values enhances all aspects of one's life.”

CCID has 19 board member institutions, each holding one seat on the Board of Directors and one seat on the SIO Council. The SIO Council Chair is elected annually and serves a term from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31. Additionally, the SIO Council has four at-large members.

Founded in 1976, CCID has been helping members further their internationalization initiatives for the past 46 years.  CCID’s mission is to engage and empower an international association of community, technical, and vocational institutions to create globally engaged learning environments.

Global Studies at Oakton College strives to help establish and grow global competencies in our student body and faculty. For more information, contact 847.376.7118 or schuster@oakton.edu.