ICCTA Meritorious Service Award
2006 Recipient


James Kaplan
Chair
Illinois Board of Higher Education

First named to the Illinois Board of Higher Education in 1999, James Kaplan was appointed board chair by Gov. Rod Blagojevich in 2003. He is the managing partner in the law firm of Kaplan and Sorosky and past chair of the Illinois State Advisory Council on the Education of Children With Disabilities.

During his time on the IBHE board, Kaplan has been a powerful advocate for higher education in Illinois. Highly supportive of issues impacting community colleges, he has long argued for improved funding for higher education during the most difficult economic environment in the state’s history.


James Kaplan (left) accepts his Meritorious Service Award from ICCTA president Tom Bennett.

James Kaplan (left) accepts his Meritorious Service Award from ICCTA president Tom Bennett.

Kaplan is responsible for successfully promoting the first increase in state funding for higher education following four years of continuous decline. This translates into a 1.7% increase in state funding for community colleges for fiscal year 2007.

Kaplan also listened when community college trustees, presidents and students identified the need to restore funding for “Special Populations” grants for essential support services. Through his leadership, $3 million was provided this year to establish the Disadvantage Student Success Grant.

For additional information on ICCTA's Meritorious Service Award, please contact Kim Villanueva at 217-528-2858, ext. 1.



Illinois Community College Trustees Association
401 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 200
Springfield, IL 62701-1711
217-528-2858 (phone)
217-528-8662 (fax)
ICCTA@communitycolleges.org (e-mail)
http://www.communitycolleges.org



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