Dr. Brian Knetl Serves as Waubonsee's Fifth President

Dr. Knetl

Dr. Brian Knetl became the fifth President of Waubonsee Community College on January 30, 2023. In this role, he is responsible for the overall leadership of the college which provides programs and services at a network of four permanent campuses located across the 624-square-mile college district and through extensive online offerings. 

Dr. Knetl has almost 25 years of service in higher education as a faculty member and administrator. Prior to his appointment as President, Dr. Knetl served as Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan. Dr. Knetl spent 10 years at Harper College in Palatine, IL. where he served as interim Provost, Associate Provost, Dean of Liberal Arts, and founding Associate Dean of the Center for Adjunct Faculty Engagement. Dr. Knetl’s first full-time administrative position was as Assistant Dean at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL. Before his transition into administration, Dr. Knetl was a full-time faculty member in the Theater Department at Saint Mary’s University in Winona, MN. 

In 2018-2019 Dr. Knetl completed the Aspen Presidential Fellowship Program for Community College Excellence. Dr. Knetl earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Saint Mary’s University, a master’s degree in Theatre from Texas State University, and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University-Chicago.  

Dr. Knetl was appointed by Mayor Richard Irvin to the City of Aurora Education Commission and serves on the Invest Aurora Board of Directors, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and the Valley Industrial Association Board of Directors.

Contact Stephanie Wennmacher to request Dr. Knetl's photo.

Waubonsee logo on pillar at SG

Waubonsee Together: A New Dawn

The Waubonsee Community College Board of Trustees thanks you for joining in commemorating the inauguration of Dr. Brian Knetl, Waubonsee’s fifth President.
 

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Tour de Waubonsee logo

Tour de Waubonsee

Follow Waubonsee’s fifth president, Dr. Brian Knetl, on the multiple Stages of his Tour de Waubonsee as he conducts a listening tour with the students, faculty, and staff of Waubonsee.

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Dr. Knetl speaking at Faculty Development Days

Hear from Dr. Knetl

There are many ways to stay connected with Dr. Knetl, President of Waubonsee. Learn what is happening around the college through Dr. Knetl's monthly President's Report. Read the President's Voice column for Dr. Knetl's thought leadership on topics in higher education.

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Waubonsee Presidents LTR: Dr. James Nelson, Dr. Christine J. Sobek, Dr. John J. Swalec, Jr.

Past Presidents

Waubonsee has a history of strong presidential leadership. These individuals shaped the college from its beginning and led the transformation to its current status as a leader in higher education in the 21st century.

Learn more about our former presidents.

 

 

Executive Leadership

  • Douglas E. Minter, Vice President of Finance and Administration
  • Dr. Diane Nyhammer, Provost 
  • Dr. Melinda Tejada, Vice President of Community Engagement and Executive Director of the Foundation

Office of the President Staff

  • Kim Caponi, Director of Presidential Communications and Operations
  • Mary Baccheschi, Executive Administrative Coordinator to the President/Clerk of the Board
  • Ronna Jones, Administrative Specialist, Office of the President
  • Kevin Farmer, Administrative Specialist, Office of the President

Contact Information

Board of Trustees Inquiries

Mary Baccheschi, Executive Administrative Coordinator to the President/Clerk of the Board
Phone (630) 466-5704
Fax (630) 466-7550
mbaccheschi@waubonsee.edu

Media Inquiries

Stephanie Wennmacher
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone: (630) 466-2487
Fax: (630) 466-4942
swennmacher@waubonsee.edu

Elected Officials Inquiries

Kim Caponi
Director of Presidential Communications and Operations
Phone: (630) 466-5703
Fax: (630) 466-7550
kcaponi@waubonsee.edu

Other Inquiries

Kim Caponi
Director of Presidential Communications and Operations
Phone: (630) 466-5703
Fax: (630) 466-7550
kcaponi@waubonsee.edu