President's Biography
Dr. Christine J. Sobek became the fourth president of Waubonsee Community College on July 1, 2001. In this role, she is responsible for the overall leadership of the college — which serves more than 12,000 students each semester, employs approximately 1,200 faculty and staff, and offers educational programs and services at a network of four permanent campuses located across the 600-square-mile college district and through extensive online offerings.
Dr. Sobek has more than 30 years of community college administrative experience. Prior to her appointment as president, Dr. Sobek served in several administrative roles at Waubonsee, including provost from 2000 to 2001; executive vice president for Educational Affairs from 1997 to 2000; assistant vice president for Instruction from 1993-1997; assistant vice president for Student Development from 1991-1993; and dean of Student Development from 1989-1991.
Dr. Sobek joined Waubonsee in 1989 after 11 years of employment at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois. Her leadership roles at that college included executive assistant to the President; director of Personnel, Affirmative Action officer; and director of Placement.
In addition, Dr. Sobek’s experience includes service as an adjunct faculty member at Trinity College, Deerfield, Illinois from 1985 to 1989 and as an assistant director of Student Affairs at Lyman Briggs Residential College at Michigan State University.
Dr. Sobek earned a doctoral degree from Northern Illinois University, a master's degree from Michigan State University, and a bachelor's degree, with Highest Distinction, from Purdue University. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and an honorary member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.
Dr. Sobek’s awards include the Outstanding Alumni Award from Northern Illinois University; the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction by Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society; an Influential Women in Business award sponsored by The Business Ledger; the Michigan State University College of Education Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award; a Quad County Urban League Lifetime Achievement Award; and the National Council of Marketing and Public Relations District 3 Pacesetter of the Year Award.
Dr. Sobek currently serves as a member of the Rush-Copley Medical Center Board of Directors; the Valley Industrial Association Board of Directors; The Conservation Foundation Board of Trustees; the Marmion Academy Board of Lay Trustees; and the Aurora Economic Development Commission Board of Directors. Other leadership roles include service on the American Council on Education Commission on Racial and Ethnic Equity, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Sustainability Taskforce, and the AACC Commission on Marketing and Communications.
Contact Janel Buchner to request Dr. Sobek's photo.