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After a national search, Waubonsee Community College has appointed Clayton Muhammad, of Aurora, to the position of Vice President of Community Engagement and External Affairs.
Muhammad is an award-winning public relations professional, community engagement strategist, and senior advisor whose career spans more than three decades across municipal government, public education, and non-profit leadership. Widely recognized as a trusted civic voice, Muhammad has built a reputation as a coalition builder and communicator who brings together government, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and residents to advance shared community goals and strengthen civic life. His deep roots in Aurora, where he was born and raised, are evident in his decade-long service as spokesperson and his role as host/emcee at more than 1,000 events over the past 25 years.
“Serving the community I love while advancing Waubonsee’s mission is a profound honor,” said Muhammad. “After two decades helping shape the civic narrative of one of Illinois’ largest cities, I’m eager to bring that same passion to the Waubonsee Community College District 516. It truly feels like a full-circle moment—for the student once told he ‘talks too much’ to now serve as a voice for this institution.”
As a former educator, Muhammad's leadership was instrumental in his decade-long tenure as the spokesman of East Aurora School District 131. His efforts led to the successful passage of a $32 million referendum.
Muhammad’s leadership journey also includes service as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Quad County Urban League, where he oversaw workforce development, youth empowerment, and civil rights initiatives serving communities across four Illinois counties.
Muhammad holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Lewis University and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is also a proud member of Alphi Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men.
