Gogebic Community College names new Interim Vice President of Academics

At a recent special meeting, Dr. Terri L. Winfree, of Tinley Park, IL was named as Gogebic Community College's new Interim Vice President of Academics. Dr. Winfree will be in charge of leadership and oversight of the academic programs and operations of the school. She began her duties in mid August.

Dr. Winfree comes to Gogebic with more than three decades of experience in higher education leadership, community partnerships, accreditation, strategic planning, workforce development, student success, and academic administration at the community college level. 

Dr. Winfree earned her Ph.D. in Education and Human Resources from Colorado State University. Before that she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree from Governors State University after earning an Associate’s Degree from Prairie State College. She has worked as a teacher of multiple courses in human resources, strategic communications, business, and communications.

She also serves as the president of Terri L. Winfree & Associates, LLC, which is a firm that focuses on organization growth, personal development, communication, and leadership. She is also the Co-President of the Illinois Community College System Foundation which supports the 39 community college districts in the state through program support and scholarships.  

Between 2013 and 2020, Dr. Winfree served as the President of Prairie State College in College Heights, Illinois. There, she was in charge of the community college which served nearly 9,000 students every year. During her seven years there she also led the school through a range of large challenges while also advancing a number of projects relating to institutional effectiveness, workforce development, academic programming, enrollment, and student success.

Dr. Winfree was in charge at Prairie State College as the school was going through its Higher Learning Commission reaccreditation. She also saw the college create new systems to improve decision making, communication, transparency, and compliance. She spearheaded partnerships with industry and business leaders as well while also assisting in the creation of mobile training centers that helped with manufacturing training at places of business.

Before becoming the president at Prairie State College, Dr. Winfree served there for five years as the Vice President of Community and Economic Development. She also spent some time as the Associate Dean, and as the Dean of Continuing Professional Education. In those rolls she was at the forefront of the creation of new programs, expanding opportunities for both non-traditional and traditional students alike, finding new sources of funding, and raising the number of enrolled students as well as revenue for the school.

In an article posted on Gogebic Community College’s website, Chairwoman of the GCC Board of Trustees, Susan Beals, was quoted on Dr. Winfree’s new position, saying, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Winfree to Gogebic Community College. Her extensive experience in community college leadership, academic programming, accreditation, strategic planning, workforce development, and student success will be a tremendous asset to GCC. We are very confident that she and Ric will lead us through this transition period and set us up for the future.”

Dr. Winfree is also an experienced consultant, author, and speaker, and has presented talks both statewide and across the country on topics such as student success, board governance, organizational change, workforce development, communication, and leadership. She co-authored a book entitled Facing Vexing Problems for Community College Leaders, which was published last year. 

Her other professional accomplishments include the Heart of the Southland Award from the Southland Development Authority, the Training and Excellence Award from the South Suburban Small Business Association, the Leadership in Business Award from the 2nd Congressional District, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from Governors State University.

More information about Gogebic Community College can be found at the school’s website.