Share:
Dr. Brian Knetl, President of Waubonsee Community College, was named the Education and Champion of Opportunity at the Quad County Urban League's (QCUL) 50th anniversary gala on Oct. 25, 2025, in Lombard.
The award recognizes Dr. Knetl's unwavering dedication to efforts that help students succeed and communities thrive. Dr. Knetl has served as the President of Waubonsee Community College since January 2023, having started his higher education career as a full-time faculty member before moving on to various leadership positions at community colleges, including Moraine Valley, Harper, and Grand Rapids.
Since Dr. Knetl joined the college, his leadership has ushered in a new era of growth and opportunity at Waubonsee. Significant milestones include Waubonsee becoming part of both the Achieving the Dream and the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s Unlocking Opportunity network. Furthermore, the college opened a new 100,000-square-foot Technical Education Center and launched RISE 2030, a bold new five-year strategic plan. The plan focuses on the college redefining its relationship with the community, investing in academic innovation, strengthening the student experience, and enriching the employee experience.
Celebrating 50 years of impact, the Quad County Urban League (QCUL) was established to empower African Americans and other underserved communities across DuPage, Kane, Kendall, and Will counties through civil rights, economic development, and social justice advocacy. Founded in 1975 by a diverse group of local leaders, the QCUL responded to the absence of a community-based organization to address the needs for academic achievement, job placement and training, equal access to employment, housing and cultural enrichment for low-income and displaced citizens. The continuous mission of the Urban League is to help secure equal opportunities for all disadvantaged persons and people of color, including African Americans, women, and persons with disabilities.
Above: Waubonsee Community College employees celebrate with President Knetl for being honored as Quad County Urban League’s Education and Champion of Opportunity. Pictured (L to R): Jessica Price, Associate Chief of Staff; Jamie Feiza, Marketing and Communications Coordinator; Dr. Marleigha Evans, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Dr. Toya Webb, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategy; Ne’Keisha Stepney, Assistant Provost of Workforce Development; and Dr. Kimberly Chavis, Provost and Vice President of Teaching, Learning, and Student Success.
