City Colleges Of Chicago Appoints Valerie R. Roberson President Of Olive-Harvey College

Chicago, IL  (November 10, 2006) -- Valerie R. Roberson, Ph.D. has been appointed President of Olive-Harvey College (OHC).  The appointment was announced yesterday at the City Colleges of Chicago’s (CCC) Board of Trustees meeting held at the district office located at 226 W. Jackson Boulevard.  Dr. Roberson was selected from a pool of 28 candidates in a nation-wide search.

“Dr. Roberson has a strong background in general administration, financial planning and management and academic leadership.  Her record is one of outstanding achievement and we are proud to appoint her President of Olive-Harvey College,” stated CCC Chancellor Wayne D. Watson.

Olive-Harvey College is a comprehensive community college serving Chicago’s far south side. Its 67-acre campus is located at 10001 S. Woodlawn Avenue.  The college also has a satellite facility, the South Chicago campus, located on 92nd St. between Baltimore and Houston.

“I have elected to spend the majority of my professional life within community colleges as I am passionate about their mission of bringing quality education to all.  I recognize and welcome the challenges this appointment brings,” stated Dr. Roberson.

Prior to this current appointment, Dr. Roberson served as Interim President of Olive-Harvey College from August 2004 to the present.  From July 1999 to August 2004 she was the Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Adult Education at the CCC District Office. 

Dr. Roberson has held a number of positions within community colleges including Vice President for Instructional Advancement, Dean of Academic Support, and Director of Adult Education Programs at Heartland Community College; Director of Adult Education at Triton College; and Manager of Support Services, Career Advisor, and Instructor at City-Wide College (which was merged with Harold Washington College, formerly Loop College in 1993).   She has also taught courses in developmental mathematics and college survival skills.

“Olive-Harvey College is a transforming college.  Over the past two years we have successfully maintained a stable environment as we implemented a complete overhaul of the administration and re-established operating procedures,” stated Dr. Roberson.  “Our instructors are excellent and our classes are small, allowing for close interaction between students and teachers.”

Dr. Roberson received her Ph.D. in Higher Education from Illinois State University.  She holds a Masters Degree in Adult Education:  Employee Training and Development from Roosevelt University and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bradley University.
She currently serves on the boards of the South Chicago Chamber of Commerce; the South Chicago YMCA; and the International Stevenson Foundation (a private foundation committed to assisting ex-offenders and ex-drug abusers).