Tracy M. Sullivan, Moraine Valley Community College Board of Trustees

ORLAND PARK, IL — Tracy M. Sullivan is running for the Moraine Valley Community College Board of Trustees. There are 10 candidates running for two open seats in this race. Both terms are for six years.

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The consolidated election is April 4.

You can find Sullivan's answers to the Patch candidate questionnaire below:

Your name: Tracy M. Sullivan

Age (as of election day): 54

Town/city of residence: Orland Park

School district: D135 & D230

Family: While I have a wonderful extended family. I am not married & have no children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? n/a

Education: Bachelor’s of Business Administration from Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Loyola University of Chicago.

Occupation: Associate Vice President of Procurement & Business Services, at Governors State University where my focus is procurement compliance with statute and supplier diversity.

Campaign website or Facebook or other social media: Vote Sullivan

Previous or current elected or appointed office: appointed by the Governor to the Business Enterprise Program Council of the Commission on Equity and Inclusion. I represent public institutions of higher education, and serve as the Chairperson of two of the Council’s subcommittees.

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.*

I look forward to reviewing and discussing enrollment trends at MVCC in comparison to other similar institutions. Hiring a new President and having a successful transition is critical. I also look forward to reviewing MVCC’s current strategic master plans for feedback and gauge progress, in case updates are required.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I have worked in local, public higher education for 30 years, twenty of which I taught as adjunct faculty at MVCC. I think ‘outside the box’, listen to all parties, and work collaboratively.

What differentiates Tracy Sullivan as a candidate?

I believe in relationships and shared governance. I will bring an unmatched knowledge of higher education to the Board. Simply put: I love Moraine, as a destination for high school students, adults and businesses. My candidacy differs from others because of my extensive knowledge of higher education topics, problems, and solutions.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district?

I do not believe they have failed. All serve from their own perspective, with the knowledge that they have, and the Board makes decisions after review and discussion together.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I am confident that my experience at Moraine Valley and throughout the State of Illinois University system will be beneficial to the priorities of the Board. I want to help retain excellent staff, grow enrollment, and look proactively to future opportunities to grow revenues, reduce costs and continue to serve the community that we are elected to serve. The Board needs to be transparent and responsible for the use of taxpayer dollars. Procurement is my area of expertise, sourcing solutions to increase efficiency, reduce cost and provide solutions that meet the needs of the college.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a higher education administrator, with nearly 30 years of experience, I believe that I can bring my expertise to the board of trustees of MVCC. During my career, I have developed strong relationships with faculty, staff, statewide constituents, and others through open communication and collaboration. My approach is to listen, respectfully respond, and be approachable to all who want to do the same.

Why should voters trust you?

I worked at MVCC, I taught there, and I took classes there. Bundled with my unique higher education experience, I see Moraine Valley through many lenses. I listen to everyone and want to be collaborative and approachable. In 2022, after 25 years of employment, I was recognized by the University President at Governors State University, when I was awarded the University’s highest staff honor for competency, integrity, dedication and civility. That’s who I am, and how I was raised.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?

My most proud moment is watching students cross the stage during commencement ceremonies. Knowing that the decisions of the MVCC Board of Trustees assists with student achievement and lifelong learning will be that accomplishment.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? As a board member, we need to ask solid questions, understand the impact of decisions and be compliant with funding related rules, statute and grant requirements.

What are your views on critical race theory and whether it should be taught in the college? The MVCC community is a place where hate has no home. All individuals are welcome and must feel safe, engaged and well educated. I believe in diversity, equity and inclusion.

How would you enhance the physical safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors?

Communication is key to safety. Procedures, contact information and training is critical in advance of an emergent situation. I imagine MVCC has training and such protocols in place, and hope they are well communicated.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so? I believe that MVCC Board and its administration support racial equality, inclusion and equity.

What are your thoughts on how the college handled the COVID-19 pandemic?

MVCC handled the pandemic well. Information was shared, communicated and decisions made with input from staff, administration and stakeholders.

How can the college enhance or improve curriculum that supports job growth in burgeoning industries, such as cybersecurity, green energy and artificial intelligence?

These hot topics are opportunities for credit and non-credit growth of course and new subjects and course offerings is an ongoing discussion on most campuses.

With inflation and the rising cost of post-secondary education, what ideas do you propose to avoid raising tuition costs to keep MVCC affordable?

MVCC needs to continue to be strategic in course offerings, review course sizes and enrollment counts. The institution needs to assess alternative potential revenue sources and partnerships where available.

When it comes to student achievement, what is the college doing well and what needs to be improved? How can those improvements be made? MVCC students are excelling and achieving their goals. Support services offer opportunities for student skills growth, assessment and progress reviews.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? No.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Just do the right thing. Do everything to the best of your ability in the allotted time. Show your people that you care. -Coach Lou Holtz