Avis Proctor

"Dr. Avis Proctor became the sixth president of William Rainey Harper College in July 2019. With over 30 years of experience working in multicultural environments as an innovative mathematics educator and administrator, she is committed to transforming lives through the power of education using research-based instructional strategies, strategic community engagement and future-focused economic development which all lead to strengthened educational opportunities that impact generations.  Dr. Proctor believes in working closely with local school districts, non-profits, the business community, and other higher education institutions to enhance student-employer connections via expanded articulation, internship, and employment opportunities for current students as well as alumni. She has also provided collaborative leadership for early childhood education, dual enrollment, and college readiness/completion initiatives which have gained national attention. Dr. Proctor also provides leadership on several boards from local to national levels including the Northwest Educational Council for Student Success (NECSS), the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) and the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents (ICCCP).

During her tenure at the College, Harper has been recognized as an Achieving the Dream (ATD) Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2023 and as an Aspen Top 25 institution in 2022 and an Aspen Top 20 institution in 2024.  Harper College is also a lead member institution of The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub established by the CHIPS and Science Act in 2023.

Dr. Proctor earned her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics at Florida Atlantic University, and her Doctorate in Higher Education at Florida International University. She and her husband are the proud parents of one son.”