Joliet Junior College names new executive vice president

The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees recently approved the appointment of Yolanda Farmer as the school’s new executive vice president.

Farmer started in the new role last month, according to a news release. She had previously served as JJC’s vice president for student development since July of 2012.

As executive vice president, she assists JJC’s president in maximizing operation and achieving the college’s mission, vision and strategic goals. In overseeing operations within the Office of the President, Farmer manages divisions, administration, policies and procedures, and coordinates activities with vice presidents and other senior leaders.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve as the first executive vice president for the first public community college,” Farmer said in a statement. “JJC is an exceptional institution with passionate and hard-working faculty and staff, and I am proud to be named the executive vice president.”

JJC President Judy Mitchell said the college’s strategy was designed with the singular goal of sustained success for the institution.

Farmer said to engage key stakeholders, she will conduct a listening tour focused on the JJC’s successes, challenges and opportunities during her first 100 days in the new role.

She’s also in charge of several projects like implementing a new resource planning system meant to streamline student and employee account services and business processes.

“The landscape of higher education is evolving, and we continue to evolve as a college community committed to student success,” Farmer said. “Therefore, this role will continue to be a strategic partner to the college president advancing the vision of the college.”

Farmer began her career at JJC in 2004 as its first director of minority affairs.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Eastern Illinois University, a master’s degree in school administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a doctorate in educational leadership from DePaul University.